Saturday’s Skullcandy Crusher Cup Qualifier began out of a need for more grassroots, accessible contest formats in skate and snowboarding. This Saturday’s competition welcomes boarders of all levels and ages to vie for a spot in the Crusher Cup Finals next December.
“There used to be a lot more grassroots-led, non-sanctioned snowboard contests, and there’s now a void in the space,” said Alex Sherman, brand marketing manager at Skullcandy. “I thought this seemed like an awesome opportunity for us to step in and provide the space in this kind of platform and event and give a local kid or up-and-coming rider the opportunity to have the stage at the finals next year to then ride with a bunch of pros that will be invited.”
The Skullcandy Crusher Cup began in 2024 as a skateboarding event, blending music and skating at Salt Lake City’s Kilby Block Party. The competition is a team-based event where professional team captains select a crew of skaters, or for the first time, snowboarders, to face off against each other for the winning title. Since the success of the event last May, Sherman began work with Woodward Park City to bring the community event on the snow.
“We started the conversation about five months ago, working together to kind of bring it to life. Our creative teams are building out the art and communication, keeping a consistent vision for the Crusher Cup in skate this summer. I really do love the blend of creating a contest that isn’t one sport specific, and music and skateboarding and snowboarding — they kind of all intersect together,” said Sherman.
Bringing this event to Woodward was a way to connect people in a unique team-based competition and also comes as riders are looking to find more support and experience in the competitive setting.
“I love events that tell stories, and that can level up to another event. To be able to hold a qualifying event for that is super exciting, and we’re really excited to see everything come together for the December finals as well,” said Luke Giacopelli, brand activation and events manager at Woodward Park City.
The rail jam event is open to anyone who registers, with divisions varying by age and skill levels. The groms, under 12, and grassroots, over 12, divisions welcome any riders looking to try their hand at showing off some skills and gain some bragging rights for their success. There is also a higher-stakes pro division open to all ages that could land them on a team in the finals, handpicked by a Skullcandy athlete in December.
The partners have installed a new feature in the park just below the big air jump, making a snowboard feature in the design of Skullcandy Crusher headphones. The feature will debut alongside a kink rail built specially for the event on Saturday.
“We’re really excited to unroll these features and custom rails that mimic lifestyle products and bring them to life in a rideable form,” said Giacopelli.
The Skullcandy Crusher Cup Qualifiers begins with registration at 1:30 p.m. on March 1, and the competition runs 3:30-8 p.m.