The halfpipe has seen many changes from it’s humble beginnings to the biggest snowsports events in the world.
An explosive growth in the mid 90’s as well as an equally fast decline only a decade later.
Many things have changed since pipes were the standard of terrain parks.
Snowboard only signs disappeared helping the massive freeskiing movement.
Pipe standards grew to 18', then eventually 22' thanks to the Zaugg.
Pipes continued to grow in size, and shrink in number.
Many contests have moved away from traditional pipe or slopestyle courses embracing weird creative hybrids.
These events have been growing in popularity and forcing some changes in the mainstream.
The spot was sessioned by snowboarders and even some pro skaters.
1982 - Donner Pipe
Eddie and Cary Hargraves began riding another natural 1/4 pipe near Sugar Bowl ski area.
The pipe wasn’t anything like those of the modern day, but it was a start.
This event would go on to be one of the longest running and most important pipe contests in snowboarding.
Legendary riders like Craig Kelly and Terje Haakonsen would take home early wins here.
Before this halfpipes were dug by hand and often inconsistent.
Doug was an expert at cutting pipes with his machines.
1994 - Zaugg
A Swiss Manufactured began selling it’s own version of a pipe cutter.
The Zaugg uses a technology more similar to a snowblower(Which the company also builds).
The Zaugg left a cleaner cut, and was less prone to breakdowns than the older pipe dragons.
1998 - Double Michalchuck
Mike Michalchuck started throwing a sort of double backside rodeo in the pipe.
A decade ahead of it’s time.
2011- Cubed Pipe
Simon Dumonts dream becomes a reality at Squaw Valley CA.
2012- Peace Pipe
Danny Davis and friends put a new spin on halfpipes with the Peace Pipe at Northstar.
Peace Pipe, Northstar California
2012 - First Holy Bowly
Happoone Resort in Hakuba Japan.
Holy Bowly 2017 at Timberline, OR.
2015 - US Open Adds 1/4 pipe take off to Slopestyle.
A trend that would be seen in future US Opens, Xgames, and other major contests.
This event was the first major pipe contest to switch out from the standard, somewhat stale pipe contest.
This was the best timeline I was able to put together.
What things do you think I should have added?
What are your thoughts on pipes past, present, and future?
Does your local hill still build one?
There are still a few small mountain hold outs keeping the pipe dream alive.
There are even 2 Midwest pipes at Buck Hill MN, and Spirit Mountain MN.
Turoa, NZ just built a pipe this summer for the first time in several years.
Is there a chance of a comeback for smaller pipes?
Cool video about Doug Waugh(Inventor of the Pipe Dragon)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4coJ5IWgbI
