We're All Mental: We Dig Dark Park & We Dig V.A.M.S 2025

Article // Laura Rogoski 
Photo // Anna Burch

Thursday morning we met at Darkside Killington. Kristyn from Shred Strong led the group through a warmup stretch before we headed outside. After everyone was booted up we did introductions and shared some of our goals for the day. Rain was in the forecast but it didn’t dampen anyone's mood. We raked the entire park, set up a new 32 rail, and built a jump to practice spins on. The snow was super soft and easy to work with. People with more experience on a rake spread out so that they could help share their knowledge with those excited to learn.

We ordered pizza and transitioned into riding the park, tweaking and reshaping as needed. Throughout the day more humans filtered in, cars honked as they drove past, and the vibes were high. People cheered just as loud for a 50-50, a fall, or a front board 270. A pond skim formed in the landing of the box. We worked towards our goals and helped remind each other to follow through with theirs, like drinking enough water.

After the session winded down and it felt right we moved to the basement rental area for the days Mental Meetup. The conversation helped us open up, get vulnerable, and share laughter and tears. We all left feeling a little closer to each other than before the day began.


Friday morning we met inside the lodge at Vermont Academy Mountain School. It was a bit reminiscent of the old High Cascade lodge. After everyone filled out their goal sheets we headed outside. The soft snow had frozen overnight, classic east coast. We did our best to shave o? the ice layer and were able to dig down to some manageable snow. We reshaped the lip onto a rail, set up a barrel bonk to down corrugated, and tuned up the quarter-pipe. One student, Jackson, mentioned he wanted to work on switch riding and proceeded to land his first switch front board on a rail. 

When everyone had their fill of riding we went back inside for the Mental Meetup. The coaches, staff, and campers had an opportunity to get to know each other on a little bit deeper level. At one point a camper asked their coach why he didn’t let them know when his dog passed away, if he had, they would have been able to support him. They agreed to be more open about things in the future.

Testimonials From We Dig Dark Park and We Dig V.A.M.S. 2025

Tina Roberts - @tinafromschool

We’re All Mental has created an incredible space for open and honest conversations about mental health while creating connections though a shared love of snowboarding . It’s been amazing to meet like-minded people and build friendships locally and across states. We Dig Dark Park has helped me embrace where I am in my own progression, reminding me to simply have fun and be present! I have attended for three years in a row, and I always leave feeling inspired and grateful for such an amazing event that truly helps the community grow and creates a welcoming space for everyone.

Kelly Mooney - @k3llym00ney

We Dig Dark Park is one of my favorite days of the year. I appreciate the different experience levels everyone brings wielding a shovel/rake or riding. It’s so cool to see the park transform in just a few hours of us working together. Many thanks to Laura, We’re All Mental, Darkside Snowboards and everyone who makes Dig Dark Park a reality! 

Lex Hernandez-Roland - @lexhroland

Going into the We Dig Dark Park I had no idea what to expect. Due to a variety of different things in my life, I was stressed and anxious as hell. It was nice because it was a time and place where I could relax and connect with my peers and I really ended up enjoying myself. Unlike a lot of other snowboard events, there really wasn’t any expectations to perform. All I had to do was show up and be myself. I didn’t have to pretend I had everything together and had space to ride with my homies and then connect emotionally afterwards. I think that might’ve been my favorite part. I’m still stressed, but I did leave feeling a bit better and feeling more connected. 

Anonymous 

I love We dig Dark park. It is such a cool, supportive environment to make new friends and learn new things! It teaches you how to build and understand a park set up, while also just hanging out and enjoying yourself at your own pace. The mental meetups are cool too. They get you thinking, talking, and learning about important and real topics which directly affect our riding. I found we dig dark park very helpful and inspiring , and I can’t wait to do another!

Sophie - @sophie.slaughters

I recently had the chance to attend We Dig Dark Park, an event that beautifully combined the thrill of snowboarding with meaningful conversations around mental health. Hosted in an inclusive and vibrant environment. Built on camaraderie the support and love was like nothing I’ve ever experienced! 

Jackson Dousharm - @jacksondousharm

We dig is a very welcoming environment, and everyone is always rooting for you to stomp a new trick! I love how at the end of the day everyone talks about the mental side of snowboarding and it really shows how everyone has bad days, and it’s not only you that can get down on yourself. I love we dig and can’t wait for the next one!

Mia - @miagardellaa

Every We Dig I have been to has been so fun! I always learn a bunch of new things. From snowboard tricks and shaping rails to learning how to cope with bad days. I’ve met so many great people thanks to We Dig. Can’t wait for the next one!

Erin Alexander - @steezbarb

This years We Dig Dark Park was one of the best yet!! Even though it was a wet rainy day, everyone still showed up and with the best attitude. This was my 3rd WDDP and it's been so awesome to see the progression of the event. Every year new people come to dig/ride and leave with the biggest smile on their face, excited to come back next year and feeling so good about themselves.  Having the Mental Meeting at the end of the event truly brings everybody together, it shows that even when you're having the best day ever snowboarding with your friends, it's still okay to not be okay. I always feel much closer to all the attendees after the Mental Meetup and feel like I've made true friends, and not just people I like to snowboard with sometimes. The helpful and positive environment leaves the best impact on everyone that attends and every year people leave with possibly a new trick, a new friend, and maybe even a new outlook on whatever is going on in their life.

Full Gallery by Anna Burch

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