Summer shred in Cali: Sunshine, slush, and stories with Vlad Khadarin & Dave
From slushy park sessions to sunset hot springs, this spring trip had it all. We sat down with Vlad Khadarin and filmmaker Dave to hear firsthand what makes Mammoth their favorite end-of-season destination.
Spring in California doesn’t just mean beaches and boardwalks – it means blue skies, soft snow. And some of the most iconic late-season laps in the game. This year, pro snowboarder Vlad Khadarin and filmmaker Dave made their annual pilgrimage to Mammoth for a sun-drenched, slush-filled adventure that blended big riding with even bigger energy.
Between spring laps, e-bike missions, golf cart chaos, and golden-hour hot springs, we caught up with the duo to get their take on what went down, what made it memorable, and why this trip was one for the ages.
What inspired your trip to California this spring?
Vlad: Mammoth Mountain is always a blast during spring—it’s got such a good vibe. Plus, I knew the Red Bull Performance Camp was happening, so I definitely didn’t want to miss that.
Dave: California always delivers the best snow and park setup in spring. As a filmmaker, following all the riders shredding those mountains was a huge inspiration.
What’s your favourite thing about riding in the spring or early summer?
Vlad: Definitely the sunshine and warm weather. You can almost ride in just a T-shirt, and the snow gets super slushy, perfect for trying new tricks. It just feels more playful.
Dave: Warm laps, slushy parks, and spring sunsets. The vibe is unbeatable that time of year.
How does spring snowboarding in California differ from riding during peak winter months?
Vlad: Winter riding has a serious vibe. You’re all bundled up, conditions are intense, and there's this underlying respect for the power of nature. Spring is totally different, way more relaxed, with a lighter energy. It feels like the perfect time to experiment and have fun.
Dave: The longer days and mellow weather just make it more accessible. You can get more out of every ride.
What was the most unexpected part of the trip?
Vlad: I had a few days in Santa Monica planned to train at the Red Bull Performance Center, but the day before I headed down, I found out that some of my friends, Moritz Boll and Ian Matteoli, were going to be there too. And that totally made the trip even better.
Dave: Playing golf one afternoon, Vlad was invested in Ian driving the golf cart and that turned into… well, let’s just say chaos.
Who were you riding with out there?
Vlad: I spent a lot of time riding with Dave and Ian, and finally got to hang with some of the Italian crew. Since it’s a camp, you’re constantly meeting new people and getting runs in with different riders. It keeps things fresh.
Dave: A lot of friends from the snow community were around because of the Red Bull camp. Sharing laps with Sam Baumgartner was sick, too. He’s a crazy skier—I love him.
What music, food, or places really defined the trip for you?
Vlad: Most of our time was on the mountain, but we hit the Hot Springs one day, played a few rounds of golf in Bishop, and even had a little bowling tournament at the end of the trip. I didn’t win a single game, by the way!
Dave: Cruising Santa Monica beach at sunset with the boys is always magic. Pizza in Venice, hot springs in Mammoth, and that last tanning session on the back of a pickup truck? Classic.
Do you have any memorable photos or videos from the trip that you can share?
Vlad: E-biking around Venice with the boys was hilarious, definitely a favourite. And catching the sunset at the hot springs? That was kind of the perfect ending to a wild day.
Dave: Those moments really show both sides, the chill downtime and the high-energy riding. We’ve got some epic stuff from both.
Any funny or challenging moments behind the scenes?
Vlad: Oh yeah, the infamous golf cart incident. I let Ian take the wheel for one minute, and he drove straight into me at full speed! No one got hurt, but it was wild.
Dave: There's always a balance of fun and intensity behind the lens. Some days we’re laughing, other days we’re laser-focused on nailing a shot. It’s part of what makes the whole thing work.
How do you balance riding for fun with riding for content?
Vlad: For me, it starts with fun. The best content comes from genuine energy. But yeah, if we’re shooting for a launch or something specific, I’ll ride with more intention. It’s about keeping it real.
Dave: Totally. You’re always looking for the perfect execution and framing. But sometimes, riding without the camera is the best way to reset and get hyped for the next big clip.
What’s next for you both?
Vlad: Some surfing, some rest, and then probably a last-minute trip to New Zealand or Australia before winter kicks off again. Staying flexible and going with the flow.
Dave: Same here. Maybe some summer surf… then gearing up for next winter. With the Winter Olympics and some wild projects on the horizon, there are a lot of cool stories waiting to be told.
Keep up with Vlad Khadarin and filmmaker Dave on Instagram and follow along with their latest adventures, edits, and behind-the-scenes moments.
