4 Burton riders to watch out for at the 2015 Burton US Open

The Burton US Open is just a couple weekends away, and we’re counting down the days to see some serious competition. Represented from all over the US, Burton riders will come and compete in Halfpipe and Slopestyle for the coveted win. As a partner of Burton Colorado, Schomp MINI has the down-low when it comes to riders that are at the top of their game. From a 14-year-old who is sure to make a huge impression at this year’s competition, to a couple recognizable names from years before, these are the top riders to watch out for in this year’s event.

Danny Davis

• Age: 26
• Hometown: Highland, Michigan
• Home Mountain: Alpine Valley Ski Resort
• Stance: Regular 23” Wide 15° Front, -12° Back

After making the move from Michigan to Stratton Mountain School in 2004, a series of world-class results lead to a Rookie of the Year award, appearances in Red Bull’s Art of Flight and Absinthe Films and even his own Easy Livin board series. Along the way, Danny has weathered his share of injuries, and with the board clear for 2014, he posted a decisive crowd-favorite X Games win with riding that reminded everyone that style matters. Putting it all in perspective, Danny hosted his annual Peace Park – a showcase of community, creativity and shredding that you can see in the latest video, Burton Presents, as well as a primetime TV special.

Chloe Kim

• Age: 14 
• Hometown: Torrance, California
• Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain, California
• Stance: Goofy 15° Front, -12° Back

The Mammoth-based pipe master has been competing since age six, making her presence known on the junior circuit. In 2014, she surprised pro women twice her age at the X Games with a second place podium next to Burton mentor Kelly Clark, becoming the youngest medalist in the event’s history. Though her age stopped her from competing in Sochi, the young sage has been sharpening her competitive edge and is poised to become the heiress to women’s snowboarding. Until then, be sure to watch Chloe’s first cameo drop in the newest Burton Presents video this season.

Mark McMorris

• Age: 21
• Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan
• Home Mountain: Whistler Blackcomb
• Stance: Regular 22? Wide 15° Front, -9° Back

The Saskatchewan native staked his claim with X Games Slopestyle silver and an Air and Style win in 2011, and he’s been striking precious medals ever since. With double X Games Big Air and Slopestyle gold, Burton US Open and Dew Tour wins, and competition-first triple corks on lock, 2014 showed the world what McMorris is made of. After winning silver at the X Games despite a harsh rail crash, McMorris scored bronze at Sochi-ripping the slopestyle course with a cracked rib. Look for the recap of his crazy winter, Baldface victory laps included, in the new Burton Presents video series.

Kelly Clark

• Age: 31
• Hometown: West Dover, Vermont
• Home Mountain: Mammoth, California
• Stance: Regular 22” Wide 21° Front, 3° Back

With an eye for podiums, the Vermonter turned Mammoth Mountain local has won every major event in snowboarding during her reign, with more than 70 titles and 130 podium finishes. Solidifying last season with her third Olympic medal in Sochi, Kelly also nailed down her ninth X Games Gold, seventh Burton US Open win, fifth US Grand Prix tour title, and fourth World Snowboarding Tour title. A key voice in product R&D, her involvement in developing the 2015 Burton Women’s Hardgoods line was significant. In between hammering out her collection of precious medals, brainstorming with our product teams, and filming for the newest Burton Presents video, she continues to give back by empowering youth through the Kelly Clark Foundation.