In snowboarding, a long road leading to different events and accomplishments takes top athletes through a world that can feel like an adventure fantasy at times.

This year, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail athlete David Retzlaff had one of those fantasy seasons — participating in his first World Cup, his first Grand Prix, his first Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships and making finals in a video contest against some of the top names in the sport. On Thursday, Retzlaff added the accomplishment of a national championship title to the magic carpet ride he’s been enjoying.