Peak 4

Mike Leighton

After earning First Team All-America Honors in Snowboardcross in 2008 & 2009 at the University of Virginia, I started competing professionally in 2009. From 2009-2016, I competed at the NorAm and Grand Prix levels (finishing 12th at NorAm Finals in 2016), and I competed in the Rahlves' Banzai Tour, as well, in Lake Tahoe. My career took me all over North America and to Japan.

I was a Snowboard Professional for Breckenridge Resort from 2010-2017. During that time I earned an AASI Level 2 Snowboard Certification and an AASI Level 2 Snowboard Freestyle Certification. I also coached for Method Snowboard Academy from 2016-2018 in Snowboardcross and Big Mountain, qualifying two of my athletes for USASA Nationals, as well as, multiple podiums and wins in both disciplines.

I enjoy riding all over the mountain with an ideal run starting off with steep, fresh snow and ending with a run through the park with friends. I also love skinning to and accessing big lines in the backcountry, when the conditions are right, and have my AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Certification.

One of my favorite questions for my students when teaching was, "Who is the best snowboarder on the mountain?" Someone would inevitably ask, "You?" I would respond, "No, it's the snowboarder who is having the most fun!" That's my goal. I want to help each person be the "best snowboarder on the mountain" by helping them find the best equipment for their goals.

32 reviews averaging 4.9 stars

Currently offline

CategorySnowboard Expert

Customers helped477

Favorite terrainBackcountry

Current locationBreckenridge, CO

Favorite spotNiseko, Japan

Home townOcean City, NJ

Favorite cocktailOld Fashioned

4.91 / 5 stars

31 (97%)

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Sorted by

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Zack

Mike was awesome!

I’m a terribly indecisive person, I reached out to Mike after watching some of the videos and seeing that he reviewed some of the specific boards I was looking at. We chatted for a couple days and he helped me tremendously. I’d highly recommend reaching out to him! Honestly I’ll miss chatting about the different boards lol

Verified Review | Submitted on Nov 29, 2022

Purchased

Lib Tech Skate Banana Snowboard · 154 cm

$299.99was $349.99

14% off

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Megan

Very knowledgeable

I didn’t know much about snowboards or snowboarding terms and Mike helped me understand more about the sport in general and learn more about all the different types of boards out there. He was very responsive, funny, and informational!! It helped me narrow my choices which I was very much struggling with. I highly recommend going to Mike to help you figure out a good set up for you!

Verified Review | Submitted on Oct 8, 2022

Purchased

Salomon Rumble Fish Snowboard · Women's · 2023 · 144 cm

$329.97was $549.95

40% off

Purchased

Ride Hera Snowboard Boots · Women's · 2023

$197.97was $329.95

40% off

Purchased

Union Trilogy Snowboard Bindings · Women's · 2023 · S · Black

$167.97was $279.95

40% off

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Jacob

Mike was very knowledgeable and relatable!

Mike had a great response time, was fun to speak with yet concise. I’m very happy with the snowboard and all the other recommendations he gave.

Verified Review | Submitted on Dec 9, 2022

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Joe

Mike the Gear Master!

Mike was very helpful and friendly. He asked the right questions and gave me a great variety on snowboards and jackets. He was patient and very knowledgeable. Even though I didn't get anything right away he said he would check in via email just to see how my buying process was going. I highly recommend him!

Verified Review | Submitted on Nov 3, 2021

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Luca

Amazed

Yes I'm amazed about how responsive is this website and Mike is very knowledgeable about all the questions and doubts I had about my next snowboard purchase that I will definitely do on CURATED website. You guys are awesome. You took the customer care to another level. Thanks!

Verified Review | Submitted on Nov 8, 2021

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Lane J

Mike is a D1 legend!

I work in tech support and so I know how taxing it can get to provide comprehensive, thorough answers to folks online. With Mike, though, it's easy so see how much the guy enjoys his job - from responding within minutes, to answering my dumb questions, to connecting over other stuff - he's a great resource to have. This was my first introduction to Curated, and if they have more folks like Mike on the team, the influx of new customers will be consistent and long-lasting! Can't recommend Mike & this site enough

Verified Review | Submitted on Aug 11, 2021

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Nathan

Definitely got me to open my options.

I was set on a board but due to the pandemic (as I learned while talking to Mike) so I figured now is a good time to see what my other options could be. Mike was super helpful and extremely knowledgeable in what I wanted and what would suit my needs best. Can’t wait to get on the mountain now!

Verified Review | Submitted on Jul 27, 2021

Purchased

Arbor Formula Camber Snowboard · 2022 · 160MW cm

$265.96

Purchased

Arbor Hemlock Snowboard Bindings · 2022 · L/XL · Yellow

$209.99

Purchased

Rome Stomp BOA Snowboard Boots · 2021

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Javier Barragan

Javier Barragan's experience with Mike

Please make shipping available to Canada. Mike was great at helping me decide for my best board.

Verified Review | Submitted on Oct 5, 2022

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Riley

Knowledgeable

Mike's knows a lot about snow sports. He knows a lot about equipment -where you might be stretching yourself vs staying comfortable, where you're too good for something. He knows what you'll need to take your game up a notch. The recommendations on bindings were clutch and I'm very excited to give them a rip.

Verified Review | Submitted on Mar 24, 2021

Purchased

Burton Cartel X Re:Flex Snowboard Bindings · 2025

$329.95

Purchased

Backcountry Access Scepter 4s Ski Poles

$119.95

Purchased

POC Auric Cut Backcountry Spin Helmet Uranium Black M/L

Expert: Mike Leighton

Reviewer: Emma V

Dedicated Knowledgeable Expert!!

Mike seemed to know exactly what I was looking for and what the best equipment was for me based off my brief description of what I was looking for. He found me an incredible deal on a pair of skis I hadn’t been able to find in stock, and was friendly and approachable to talk to along the way. I would recommend Curated and their experts to a friend based off my experience buying from Mike!

Verified Review | Submitted on Feb 5, 2021

Purchased