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The 2013 Burton US Open is underway at Vail Mountain in Colorado. The biggest event in snowboarding draws the sport’s best riders, who will showcase record-breaking tricks, superpipe skills, and their slope style. Fashion has become a huge part of the snowboarding world. Male and female competitors continue to display sleek on-course designs full of vibrant hues, bold patterns, technical fabrics, and a more streamlined fit.

Many riders work closely with their apparel sponsors to collaborate on special collections. They have input in the design process and as a result, fans get a glimpse into their personal style through their competitive gear. The Burton US Open will likely be another trendsetting competition, worthy of its own sartorial highlights reel. The snowboarding championships run from February 25th – March 2nd. For more information on the action, visit here.

A Glam Slam spoke with Burton rider, Kelly Clark, who dished on fashion trends on the slopes, personal style, and her beauty routine. Check it out:

(photo courtesy of Adam Moran)

You’re constantly traveling to competitions like this one – what three items do you always have in your suitcase?

Kelly Clark: I always have my kindle with me, it is not nice to carry around heavy books. I travel with a small pillow that is never far from me. And my slippers.

Fashion is a huge part of the snowboarding world and action sports apparel continues to evolve. What are some of the ways slope style has changed? Some of the biggest trends today?

KC: Snowboarding is a sport but it also has a culture that is a huge part of it. The biggest thing that has changed is that more people are having their individuality come out, we are not just under the basic snowboarder branding and image like we used to be.

What about the Burton brand resonates with you? 

KC: Burton is a rider driven company. We have input from function to style. I don’t know of another company that is so invested and values the opinions of the riders like they do. That has been a cornerstone of the company’s success over the years.

How much creative input do you have? How do you integrate your personal style into your competitive gear

KC: We make sure the function and fit is there with the outerwear, and then make sure it is something that we would feel good wearing.

Is there a rider, male or female, whose style you admire most? 

KC: It is hard to pick out just one person. I find more so than a person’s style, I like people who are comfortable with being themselves. There is room for creative expression in our culture and it is apparent in every ones personal style.

You’re often dealing with harsh weather elements. What beauty essentials do you pack for a day on the slopes? 

KC: I always have sunscreen. I like Shiseido, it doesn’t now wear off with activity or with all my layers and jacket.

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