'Stash' to open in Avoriaz

European snowboarders will be whooping with joy when the Burton-designed Stash run opens in Avoriaz this winter.

You may remember last year the first Stash run was built at Northstar-at-Tahoe, and good old Jake doesn't want the Euro boarders to miss out.

The new all-natural run will be constructed in the Lindarets forest, with logs and wooden tables for sliding on, a secret passage to explore and even a cabin to hang out in.

The run opens on 10 January 2008. To get an idea, check out the Northstar version at www.thestash.com.

Find out more about Avoriaz's terrain parks at www.snowparkavoriaz.com.

Read my story about last year's Northstar opening.

Image credit: Burton

Burton designs snowboard run

Being the most successful snowboard manufacturer clearly isn't enough for Jake Burton, who has now designed his first snowboard run at Northstar-at-Tahoe.

Burton has helped snowboarders build The Stash, a run featuring trees, jibs and road jumps constructed from wooden logs and other local materials. The new run is due to open on 15 December.

The Stash will also include pillow lines, natural rail slides built from massive logs, and the CK Cabin (named after legendary rider Craig Kelly), which riders can jib or gap.

Check out the promo video at www.thestash.com. (Note: It takes a while to load.)

Northstar-at-Tahoe is scheduled to open on 22 November.