Backcountry.com Newsletter Articles

Spring isn’t just about priming your skate skills and planning surf trips. If you get off the shred tip too soon, you’ll miss the glory of pond skimming, bikinis-and-board-shorts days, and of course, the all-American bbq. After a season of tailgating the resort, we’ve compiled a simple guide to help you get your grill on.

Choosing the proper location for grillage is the first step to achieving maximum vibes at the resort. You can go with the traditional parking-lot tailgate session, or you can lug the grill and your stereo up to the park and cue down while lapping your favorite features. Either way, total vibeage depends on the following key elements.

Uhhh ... Sun

Grilling ain’t no fun without the sun. Remember this cardinal rule. Although it can occasionally be broken (grilling down in the middle of a blizzard has its merits, but doesn’t last long), superior sizzle stoke occurs when goggle tans are darkened and pasty skin emerges from its hibernation to soak in the natural bliss of Vitamin D.

Sustenance

Take it from the pros that have been manning the grill since you were a wee grom—burgers, dogs, and brats are the order of the day. However, a brief scouring of the Interweb yields a bible-length collection of tasty tailgate recipes that you can recreate when bored with the old standards. Some of our favorites include the Beer-Bathed Brats with Sauerkraut and Apples, Carne Asada Tacos, and Spicy Seitan Buffalo “Wings”. This last delicacy brings up an important point about cooking with vegetarians. Though you may be a devout crusader of the flesh, remember to consider the veggie shreds when prepping your stock of edibles (and be sure to give up part of the grill and a meat-free utensil for their use). *Whatever you do, avoid any attempt to grill down with vegans (just kidding vegans – you can bring the Tofu Jalapeño Poppers).

Refreshments

To merely scarf without washing down bites of char-broiled deliciousness would be like getting to the mountain for fresh tracks only to realize you left your pass back at home on the coffee table (FAIL!). While some gaters suggest whipping up a batch of Jungle Juice or Mint Julep, we’re not that fancy. Give us a twelver of Ben Franklin’s favorite libation, and make sure it stays cold.

Safety Disclaimer

Lighter fluid—easy tiger, a little bit goes a long way.

Putting your face directly over the grill could potentially cause meltage that even Jacko’s surgeon couldn’t remedy.

Basically, don’t do this:

Gear

Besides your Coleman, the following gear will help make an on-hill grill fest better than fighting for a table at the bar, carry your bevies and other tailgate necessities to the hill.

Cooler Bags

Burton Liquid Lounger Bag: the mother of all portable parties (games included)
Burton Lil Buddy Cooler Bag: have your buddy carry the drinks and tunes
Rome Chronic Gear Bag: has a coozie drawer for your twelve pack

Shades
Check out our huge list of stunners to protect your eyes from the sun and the fuzz.

Trucker Hats
Maximum ventilation and face protection against Mr. Sun.

Board Shorts & Bikini Tops
Pond-skimming essentials.

Now that you're all set, get out on the hill, soak up some rays, and grill down with the crew.