Gearing up for a flurry of big-time events

Snowboard wunderkind Shaun White might not be competing in Oregon this winter. But the future Shaun Whites of the world will have ample opportunities to test their shredding, spinning and speed skills at events for juniors and amateurs across the state.

Two premier events were held in Oregon last winter: a U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix stop at Mt. Bachelor ski area and the first U.S. Snowboarding Snowboardcross championships at Mt. Hood Meadows.

Not this season. The closest the Grand Prix will come to Oregon is east of the border at Tamarack Resort in central Idaho on Feb. 24-25. Tamarack Resort also is where the national snowboardcross champion will be determined.

 – Excerpt from The Oregonian, December 21, 2006