Staff report

Some of the South Shore's top snowboarding stars competed at the Vans Fiesta de la Pipa last weekend at Mammoth Mountain. Walking away with a prize of $2,000 in the jam-style event was Jamie Anderson of Tahoe Paradise.

The Winter X Games gold medalist enjoyed the format.

"Free-for-all formats are my favorite," Anderson said. "It's nice to wind down the year riding with friends on some good features."

The event concluded Anderson's competition season, then she jetted of to New York and Los Angeles to handle some business affairs.

Elena Hight of South Lake Tahoe, Mercedes Nicoll and Molly Aguirre also caught the spectators' eyes as they sessioned the various pipe features such as pinatas, an eyeball propane tank and a Red Bull snowcat.

Chaz Guldemond of North Shore pocketed the men's first prize of $5,000. Mason Aguirre was runner-up, followed by Luke Wynen.

The unique course featured a three-and-a-half story jib set-up, with a down rail, kinked rail and butter ledge. All were built custom for the competition.



- South Tahoe High student Chase Grant contributed to this story.