The following article was originally printed in the November 2024 Issue of Slush. To access the full article click here.
Photos by Bob Plumb
Every TV series starts with a pilot—a standalone episode crafted to prove the concept. It sets the tone, introduces the characters, and lays the groundwork for what’s to come. Essentially, it’s a testing ground. The crew, cast, and directors take the script, build something, and then wait to see if the effort and expenses were worth it. Does it entertain? Does it hook the audience enough to warrant more episodes?
The first year of The Uninvited Invitational was like the pilot episode of a brand-new series. Sure, there were some rough edges—an inexperienced announcer (me, Katie Kennedy), wobbly podiums that popped up at the last minute—but the hype was undeniable. People were hooked. “The first Uninvited Invitational just dropped. It’s a must-watch!” “Can’t wait for the next one!” It even won a Forward Lean award for its dedication and impact on women’s snowboarding.
The inaugural Uninvited Invitational didn’t just introduce the main characters; it made an emotional impact. It stirred something in the viewers that left them wanting more, eager to see how this story would unfold.
Now, if you’re a seasoned TV watcher, you know Episode 2 is where things level up. The set looks more polished, the cast feels more confident, and the production has clearly benefited from a bigger budget. The success of the pilot opens up more resources, and The Uninvited Invitational: Episode 2 was no different. You could tell right from the opening scene—a welcome dinner at Skullcandy HQ—that this time, it was bigger, more polished, and more refined.
A few elements had shifted. The location? Episode 1: Tahoe. Episode 2: Woodward Park City. The funding? A major boost. The crew? Expanded, with new faces joining the mission. The park? Let’s just say, it was more dialed than ever. And the cast grew in the best possible way, with new riders like Jess Perlmutter and a host of Euros stepping into the spotlight.
The first two days were for qualifying, giving riders time to feel out the course, and it didn’t take long for some to settle in and shine. On Day 1, Nora Beck owned the setup with front and back 270s on the kink, making it all look effortless. Ellie Weiler wowed with a massive front blunt 270 off the wall, followed by a smooth backside rodeo on the hip. Jess Perlmutter, just 14 years old and practically unknown before this contest, quickly became a crowd favorite with her fearless approach. Meanwhile, Annika Morgan commanded attention, dropping in with a combination of big airs, big style, and equally big tricks.
Day 2 continued to up the ante, with riders throwing down even more impressive moves. Sophia Schroll, or “Klaus,” brought creativity to the course, landing a switch front board to same-way 270 on the clack rail. Naima Antolin didn’t just ride the course—she expanded it, opening up new gaps and landing a stylish frontside invert on the cage. Novalie Engholm soared to new heights on the hips, showcasing a smooth, effortless style that stood out among the competitors. But perhaps the most unforgettable moment came from Taylor Elliott, who, after battling MS and unsure if she’d ever snowboard again, not only rode but nailed a perfect hand plant on the cage—something no other rider managed the entire event. Her resilience and spirit were a testament to the heart that drives this series.
