There is little envy from the old-guard for the position many of today’s snowboard youth find themselves in. Ask any pro and they’ll tell you, the kids today are just so damn good. And where there was once distinctive pipelines for many younger boarders to establish themselves—event’s like “The Launch,” or Snowboarder Mag’s “21 Under 21” section—there is now simply Instagram, and the onslaught of jaw-dropping clips that arrive daily on a person's feed.

In many ways, one of the few aspects of snowboarding that still exist to give kids that extra boost are development programs. And for the next generation of freeride focused riders, the place that seems to foster the highest level of talent is Lake Tahoe. Specifically, the Palisades Pursuit Team. 

The Pursuit Team is sharpening the skills of these young backcountry rippers. The roster of talent includes: Ellery Manning, Tilden Wooley, Nate Bromley, Tavo Sadeg, along with Cass and Mia Jones. And while these riders may be young, they’re already establishing themselves with podium finishes at events that cover the spectrum of what freeriding is—Ellery Manning took gold at the inaugural Research and Development event last year while Nate Bromley took third at the Kings and Queens of Corbets event and, in a sentimental moment, Mia Jones won the Freeride World Tour, the same event her father, Jeremy Jones, won over twenty years ago. 

Through athletic scholarships, mentorship, and of course, access to some of the best freeriding terrain on earth, the Palisades Pursuit Team is ensuring the next generation of backcountry boarders are ready to push the limits of the sport. 

“Being backed by a mountain like Palisades Tahoe, gives these athletes legit credibility & an additional pathway to establish pro careers,” Jason Abraham, Creative Production & Athlete Team Manager said via email. 

The Pursuit Team is a critical stepping stone in the career path of these young boarders, and we’re excited to see what’s next.

For more information on the Pursuit Team, click here