Professional snowboarder and legend Pat Moore has been riding for 25 years, making him one of the most recognized names in the industry. His dedication to the sport and passion for engaging the next generation of snowboarders led him to develop the non-profit Methodology. The charity is a way for Moore to give back to communities around the country through collaborative events at mom-and-pop mountains who have a rich history with snowboarding. This has included past events in Brighton Resort, Utah and Loon Resort, New Hampshire. Centered around competitions, the events are a way for locals who range in age and skill to ride hard and win prizes.
As Methodology made its way to Colorado last year, it seemed an obvious choice to choose Eldora Mountain Resort as the next host. Not only is it the preferred hill for local riders, but their expertise in park-building made it even more of a compelling location. Partnering with the Boulder storefront Satellite Boardshop, owned by Raul Pinto and JG Mazzotta who are long-time snowboarders and good friends of Moore’s, the event would ensure that 100% of the proceeds went towards the shop’s own non-profit, the Green Block Project.
What started as an idea during Pinto’s undergraduate work at Colorado University’s Environmental Design program, became an actionable initiative to develop less costly and accessible parks that could be built on unused land in the city, shares Pinto. In partnership with the local skate community and Boulder Parks & Rec, they executed their first pocket park last year located off East Valmont Road in Boulder.
Proceeds from Methodology will help fund the park's completion, which includes paying for permanent features and upgrades to existing features. In addition, local business Armor Steel donated materials and time while the city of Boulder contributed towards lighting in the skatepark.
Not only was the Methodology event a great success to help Green Block Project’s agenda, but it was a gathering of familiar faces in the snow-capped peaks above Boulder.
“We didn’t show up with a lot of people, we showed up and worked alongside the local community,” Moore says. “We were just the catalysts for the community to come together to host an event for themselves. For Eldora’s event, we worked with Satellite’s crew and their friends and family. There was a lot of local pride present.”
From grom’s to greybeards, locals turned up to debut their diverse skills mountainside as they competed for impressive prizes like K2 snowboards, Volcom clothing and sessions to Woodward Copper. And big-name sponsors included Vans and Snowboarder Magazine that helped make this an unforgettable experience.
Moore recognizes that the Green Block Project’s efforts to get kids access to a local skatepark was actually helping the snowboard industry as skating can often be a gateway into the winter sport.
“They are trying to get people standing sideways, whether they are on a skateboard or snowboard, and we wanted to help grow that effort,” Moore says.
“With Methodology we have the capability to support great programs, parks and other initiatives in snowboarding communities,” Moore shares. “It’s the same mentality as the Green Block Project, who instead of sitting on the sidelines, are doing something productive.”
So, as the 2020/2021 winter season is in full swing, we are reminded to recognize where we can give back to the industry that has helped make Colorado one of the leading places for snow sports in the world.
Pat’s Method of Giving
“Where you put your time, effort and donations matters. If you focus on local initiatives, you will find your efforts go a lot further to help sustain the community. And as a local in your own community, you know best as to where your help is needed. All those things together create the best case scenario for doing good, whether that’s for a food bank, a homeless shelter or an initiative like the Green Block Project.”
