BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. So what do you get when you put together one perfectly groomed Planet Designs halfpipe, an invitation-only Night Rail Jam, a parallel giant slalom, some of the best snowboarders in the world, and host it at one of the most progressive, snowboard-friendly resorts in the history of the sport? It must be the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix and Paul Mitchell Progression Session at Breckenridge, Colo.

Another fresh one courtesy of "The Renegade" (credit: J. Fritz)

The Grand Prix begins its ninth season as the premier snowboard series in America, boasting great pipes, killer giant slalom courses and big cash prizes. Meanwhile, Breckenridge enters its 20th year of welcoming snowboarders to its venue. Could there be a better way than to kick off the season by inviting the world’s best athletes to compete at one of the world’s best venues? Hell no! Here’s the inside line on what to look for in the midst of all the madness that is sure to ensue:

1. U.S. Snowboarding’s Steve Fisher (St. Louis Park, MN) lives in Breckenridge. Says U.S. Snowboarding Coach Bud Keene, “Steve is in his hometown, at his home mountain, he likes it here, he likes the pipe. He usually does well here and we’re hoping he has a good weekend.”

This could be the understatement of the week. Steve is sleeping in his own bed, his friends and family are here to cheer him on, and his town-league hockey team made it to the semi-finals this week. Life is good. Expect to see an exciting performance from Mr. Fisher in the pipe this weekend. Don’t think Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, CA) is just going to let Fisher walk away with the loot, though. See the halfpipe qualifiers on Saturday and the finals on Sunday at noon.

2. Two words: Night Rail. This downtown Night Rail Jam on Saturday night is invitation-only and there is 15 grand on the table - $5K for the winner. The rail excitement will take place at the Riverwalk Center off Main Street and will feature DJ Mea presented by Bud Light, starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Expect to see folks throwing down, and a huge crowd egging them on. It’s tough to say if the cash or the bragging rights are the larger motivating factor and the combination should be wicked. This could be anyone’s game, but rumor has it Shaun White (Carlsbad, CA) is in town. He’s pretty good…

3. Equal prize money. Hell yeah! A blown knee is a blown knee, no matter if you're a man or woman. Recognizing and rewarding equal risk is dope. Thanks. U.S. Snowboarding is paying $10,000 to the top female and male competitors in the halfpipe and PGS. With $120,000 total prize money looking for a good home, riders will be sure to bring their A game.

4. Three letters: P-G-S. OK. There will be hardbodies in speedsuits hurtling at amazing rates at the same time and speed patrol can’t do a thing about it. That’s pretty cool. Chris Klug (Aspen, CO), Olympic bronze medalist and liver transplant survivor, is always a threat on any race course. Anton Pogue (Sandpoint, ID) is here (he was sited shopping at Target in a speed suit - no lie) and will sure to be hungry for some of that prize money. Justin Goto-Reiter (Steamboat Springs, CO) graduated from Summit High just down the road and is coming off a great finish at Copper Mountain last month. He will be looking to take some of that money home in front of his childhood friends. Michelle Gorgone (Sudbury, MA) has been consistently dominating in early World Cup action this year.

5. Hannah Teter (Belmont, VT), Lindsey Jacobellis (Bondville, VT), Clair Bidez (Minturn, CO) and Elena Hight (Zephyr Cove, NV) - among others. Redefining what it means to be teenage girl.

6. Tricia Byrnes (Stratton Mountain, VT). Redefining what it means to be a 30-something-year-old woman. She shreds right alongside the youngsters and continues to progress the sport forward. FYI: She keeps up with the teens on and off the hill.

Let’s review: premier facilities, top-rated riders and fun venues at a mountain that welcomed snowboard riders long before others. This is a can’t-miss stop on the competition schedule. See you at Breckenridge! courtesy of http://www.ussnowboarding.org/index.php

check out http://breckenridge.snow.com/winterhome.asp

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