Each founded on exquisite craft, refined materials, and taking original inspiration from Japan’s snow culture, Beringia and Franco Snowshapes share a penchant for creating objects of beauty designed for the mountain experience. Mikey Franco’s globally renowned ultra-custom snowboards and skis represent the pinnacle of bespoke design. Beringia is proud to call him a friend, and inspiration of a life dedicated to the craft.
Surfing the Teton Reef
By Mikey Franco | Guide, Board Shaper, Designer
I began my snowboarding career at 14. I was a land-locked skateboarder who always dreamed of being a California surfer. The day I saw my first snowboard changed it all.
I read an article in, I think, International Snowboarder Magazine. The article spoke of the Tetons like they were the “Alps” of America. Untracked powder, steep lines, real western vibe compared to Colorado. Somewhere in that story the line “surfing the Teton reef” came up. And that has been my motto ever since.
Before I ever came to Jackson, I visited Vermont. In the early 80’s, Stratton and the US Open was the epicenter. Having seen the stoke, what I thought was “tons of snow”, and acceptance of snowboarding, I was sure I would be moving there as soon as I was old enough to move out of the house.
Before that dream could come to fruition, I found myself on a trip to Chamonix. Having never been to the Rockies, I had no idea the scale of such mountains existed. That trip completely rewrote my path.
“Surfing the Teton Reef”, the “Alps of America”, and, at the time, the best kept secret in America set me on a path that I’ve never looked back on. 37 years later, and I’m still in awe of this place.
Discover Franco Snowshapes at https://www.francosnowshapes.com/
Photos by: Keegan Rice & Mikey Franco
