Behind the Line: Cass Jone’s on Grizzly Spine

The mountains are a classroom, and for the Jones family, the lessons are measured in vertical feet. The legendary Grizzly Spine in Tahoe is more than just a formidable chute of snow and rock. For Teton Gravity Research, it represents a core chapter in big-mountain snowboarding history. It’s a line synonymous with Jeremy Jones, who famously first descended it. This season, the spine offered a powerful moment when Jeremy’s son, Cass Jones, stepped up to ride the same line for our annual film, Pressure Drop.

In the mid-2000s, Mike Hatchett was behind the lens for many of Jeremy Jones' defining backcountry moments. As a pioneer in adventure filmmaking, Mike captured the raw intensity of Jeremy's early expeditions to Alaska. Jeremy's vision was to push boundaries, often camping high on the mountain to ride in optimal light and conditions.

The Grizzly Spine was one of those 'trophy lines' Jeremy found and made his own. The first descent was a monumental effort, showcasing the blend of calculated risk and pure commitment that has defined his career. Jeremy's deep respect for the mountain and the need for absolutely dialed focus have always been part of his approach.

Fast-forward to the filming of Pressure Drop. The TGR crew focused on a special segment highlighting the Jones family, as Cass and his sister Mia stepped into their first official TGR film segments. It was a powerful full-circle moment.

Cass Jones, who has grown up in the steep terrain of the Sierra Nevada, demonstrates a fluid, confident style. When he eyed the Grizzly Spine, the parallel to his father’s historic ride was impossible to ignore. For a young rider, dropping into a no-fall zone that his father pioneered is a true test of nerve and skill. Mike Hatchett was there once again, this time filming the son on the same face he captured the father on years ago. This experience provided a unique window into the generational evolution of big-mountain technique and mindset.

Your winter countdown starts here. Don't just prepare for the season; ignite the stoke by experiencing Pressure Drop on the big screen with the whole TGR community. Every stop on the World Tour is more than just a film screening—it's an event featuring athlete poster signings, massive partner prize giveaways (including gear, trips, and TGR merch), and the collective roar of a crowd ready for deep powder and big lines. Lock in your tickets now, rally your crew, and join us to celebrate the culture that makes us live for the fall line.