Aspen / Snowmass Blog: January 2007 Archives

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January 28, 2007

Winter X Games 11 Skiing Slopestyle Men's Final Results, Sunday, January 28, 2007

French Candide Thovex, winner of X-Games 11 Slopestyle

Name Bib No. Hometown Score
1. Candide Thovex 553 La Clusaz, France 95.00
2. Sammy Carlson 554 Tigard, Oreg. 92.33
3. Colby West 522 Canterbury, N.H. 90.00
4. Simon Dumont 524 Bethel, Maine 87.66
5. Jacob Wester 519 Stockholm, Sweden 86.66
6. John Spriggs 521 Vail, Colo. 73.66
7. Andreas Hatveit 507 Sundalen, Norway 71.66
8. Charles Gagnier 506 Victoriaville, QC, Canada 65.00
9. Jon Olsson 511 Monoca-Ville, Monaco 51.33
10. JF Houle 508 Drummondville, QC, Canada 6.33

Posted by Dina at 06:41 PM | Comments (0)

Winter X Games Skiing Skier X Men's Final Results, Sunday, January 28, 2007

SKIING SKIER X MEN'S
Final Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Sunday, January 28, 2007

C.-Puckett.jpg
Local Casey Puckett wins X-Games Skiing Skier X Men

Name 1. Casey Puckett 2. Jake Fiala 3. Enak Gavaggio 4. Stan Hayer 5. Audun Groenvold 6. Daron Rahlves 7. Zach Crist 8. Davey Barr 9. Lars Lewen 10. Chris Del Bosco 11. Brian Bennett 12. Hiroomi Takizawa 13. Eric Archer 14. Michael Schmid 15. Justin Glick 16. Andreas Steffen 17. Tyler Shepherd 18. Lloyd Tucker 19. Eric Andersson 20. Cody Smith 21. Tahir Bisic 22. Kristian Cretier 23. Klaus Waldner 24. Tomas Kraus 25. Roman Hofer 26. Shaun Palmer 27. David Lamb 28. Massimiliano Iezza 29. Karl Heinz Molling 30. Kyle Sul Bib No. Hometown Time
490 Aspen, Colo. 58.613
477 Frisco, Colo. 59.664
478 Bourg St. Maurice, France 60.624
481 Kimberley, BC, Canada 59.821
480 Hamar, Norway 60.444
491 Sugarbowl, Calif. 58.147
475 Sun Valley, Idaho 59.906
471 Whistler, BC, Canada 60.633
486 Stockholm, Sweden 60.773
476 Vail, Colo. 59.412
472 Whistler, BC, Canada 59.883
497 Gumma Japan 60.098
470 Vail, Colo. 59.234
492 Frutigen, Switzerland 59.985
479 Steamboat Springs, Colo. 60.620
495 Gstaad, Switzerland 60.721
493 Denver, Colo. 60.823
498 Carbondale, Colo. 60.897
469 Nora, Sweden 60.344
494 Spokane, Wash. 60.434
473 Boulder, Colo. 60.460
474 Bourg St. Maurice, France 60.601
499 Vorarlberg, Austria 60.740
484 Decin, Czech 60.838
482 Ellmau, Austria 60.850
418 South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 61.537
485 Steamboat Springs, Colo. 61.540
483 Courmayer, Italy 61.952
487 Kronplatz, Italy 62.341
496 Salt Lake City, Utah

Posted by Dina at 06:36 PM | Comments (0)

Winter X Games 11 Skiing Skier X Women's Final Release, Sunday, January 28, 2007

FRENCH DOMINATE WOMEN’S SKIER X
Ophelie David, Valentine Scuotto and Meryll Boulangeat Go One, Two, Three At Winter X Games 11

Aspen, Colo. -Ophelie David, the Winter X Games 10 bronze medalist from Alp D'Huez, France crossed the finish line in first with two French compatriots not far behind.

"It was amazing," David said. "We have dreamed of an all French sweep, but when we realized it had come true, it was just tons and tons of joy."

As the 2006 World Cup Skiercross Champion and currently ranked number one for 2007, the 30-year old David went on to win all but one race after the Winter X Games 10, and continued her winning streak today with her first Winter X Games gold. Top finish contender and the only North American in the final run, Anik Demers-Wild fell shortly after the start, leaving the win for a total French sweep.

In her sixth appearance at the Winter X Games Skier X, 27-year old Valentine Scuotto from Megeve, France raced across the finish line into second place.

"I had some good glide and some good starts," said Scuotto. "I had wonderful feelings on my jumps, and everything is working in my head."

Scuotto switched over to Skiercross in 2002 after winning five French National Super G Championships.

Young gun Tignes, France resident and Winter X Games rookie, Meryll Boulangeat completed the French sweep with a third place finish. The 20-year old turned pro in 2006 and the Winter X Games 11 was her first visit to the United States.

When asked how David and her French compatriots were going to celebrate their podium domination, she said, "I think Aspen will be on fire tonight, so be careful, the French ladies are in town."

Posted by Dina at 06:07 PM | Comments (0)

WINTER X-GAMES 11: IT'S NOT JUST THE SUPERPIPE

After the competitons are over at Buttermilk, the party moves to downtown Aspen. Last night, just to name a few events, there was the Monster party at the Top of Aspen Mountain, the Powder Awards at the Hotel Jerome, The Okley party and Target Party at the Highlands.
For those who could not make their way into of the private parties artist Common was playing in Wagner Park and the Aspen Bar Scene was worth cheching-out.

Seth Morrison receiving his Powder Award

Posted by Dina at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

Winter X Games 11 SBD Snowboarder X Final Release,

SLIM WIN BY ANDERSON
Joanie Anderson Narrowly Grabs Snowboarder X Winter X Games Gold

Aspen, Colo. - In a major upset, young gun Joanie Anderson dodges a crashing Lindsey Jacobellis just feet from the finish line of the Snowboarder X competition to secure her first Winter X Games gold.

"I'm so stoked and shocked," said Anderson. "The course here is always sick. I think it's the best boardercross competition."

Twenty-year old Anderson from South Lake Tahoe, California has competed in the Winter X Games for four years, each time advancing to the finals. But it was not until 2006 that she stood on the podium with a second place finish. This year, it looked as if Anderson would win silver once again until 21-year old Jacobellis from Stratton, Vermont caught her backside edge, letting Anderson grab the gold.

Coming off as the 2007 FIS World Champion, Jacobellis was aiming to take home the gold this year. On the heels of a disappointing silver medal after a crash near the finish of Boardercross in the 2006 Torino Olympics, Jacobellis caught her heelside edge, flipping over to slide across the finish line just ahead of Maelle Ricker.

Ricker, the 2006 defending Snowboard X Champion, a 28-year old from Whistler, BC, Canada, was vying for her second gold, but was glad to be on the podium.

"I was hoping to defend my title but it didn't work out that way," said Ricker. "But I feel pretty good."

Posted by Dina at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2007

WINTER X-GAMES 11 SKIING SUPERPIPE MEN'S

Winter X Games 11 Skiing SuperPipe Final Results, Friday, January 26, 2007

Name Bib No. Hometown Score
1. Tanner Hall 526 Kalispell, MT 95.00
2. Simon Dumont 505 Bethel, ME 94.00
3. Peter Olenick 510 Aspen, CO 90.00
4. Andreas Hatveit 507 Sundalen, NOR 84.33
5. Candide Thovex 515 La Clusaz, FRA 82.33
6. Colby West 522 Canterbury, NH 80.00
7. Matt Philippi 539 Breckenridge, CO 75.33
8. Stefan Thomas 533 Park City, UT 72.66
9. Dan Marion 529 Windham, ME 72.00
10. Justin Dorey 538 Vernon, B.C. CAN 48.66

Posted by Dina at 09:35 AM | Comments (0)

Winter X Games 11 Skiing SuperPipe Women's Final Release,

BURKE'S 900 GRABS SKIING SUPERPIPE GOLD
Second Run Lands Sarah Burke First Winter X Games Gold

Aspen, Colo. - Eight years in the making, 24-year-old Sarah Burke of Squamish, BC, Canada threw a massive 900 to snag her first Winter X Games gold in the Skiing SuperPipe Women's competition. On her second run, it was Burke's technical skill and amplitude that finally earned her a first place finish at Winter X.

"This is my eighth X Games. I've been chasing gold forever at this event," said Burke. "Finally having that gold medal has allowed me to complete my journey."

Burke edged out two-time defending gold medalist, Grete Eliassen of Salt Lake City, Utah to whom she lost the gold to in a tight battle last year at Winter X Games 10.

"I'm so stoked to get on the podium again here at the X Games," said 20-year-old Eliassen who was going for a three-peat SuperPipe win. "I haven't skied a pipe at night since I was ten years old."

Another young gun on the podium at 20-years old, Park City, Utah skier Jen Hudak rounded out the top three in her third Winter X Games. "This is a long time coming and I’m thrilled," said Hudak. "To finish third place at the X Games is great."

When asked how it feels to finally land on top of the podium, Burke smiled towards the excited crowd, "It is absolutely amazing getting gold!"

Posted by Dina at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2007

X-GAMES 11: SNOWBOARD SNOWBOARDER X MEN'S

SNOWBOARD SNOWBOARDER X MEN’S
Qualifying Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Friday, January 26, 2007 (Top 24 advance to QuarterFinals)

Name Bib No. Hometown Time
1. Paul Henri De Le Rue 403 Saint Lary, France 1:05.090
2. Nick Baumgarnter 401 Iron River, Mich. 1:05.235
3. Marco Huser 413 Glarus, Switzerland 1:05.299
4. Xavier De le Rue 404 Saint Lary, France 1:05.673
5. Shaun Palmer 418 South Lake Tahoe, Calif.1:05.684
6. Seth Wescott 429 Sugarloaf, Maine 1:05.850
7. Graham Watanabe 428 Hailey, Idaho 1:05.879
8. Mario Fuchs 407 Maishofen, Austria 1:06.221
9. Drew Neilson 416 Vernon, BC, Canada 1:06.222
10. Jason Smith 423 Basalt, Colo. 1:06.233
11. Marcus Schairer 420 St. Gallenkirch, Austria 1:06.501
12. Ben Jacobellis 414 Stratton, Vt. 1:06.672
13. Vincent Valery 425 St. Martin de Londres, France 1:06.960
14. Mark Schultz 422 Lake Oswego, Ore. 1:07.003
15. Tom Velisek 427 Squamish, BC, Canada 1:07.197
16. Ross Trulove 424 Carbondale, Colo. 1:07.391
17. Cleve Johnson 415 Basalt, Colo. 1:07.408
18. Rob Fagan 406 Squamish, BC, Canada 1:07.425
19. Nate Holland 411 Squaw Valley, Calif. 1:06.646
20. Alex Deibold 405 Manchester, Vt. 1:07.215
21. Ross Powers 321 Londonderry, Vt. 1:08.907
22. Pat Holland 412 Tahoe City, Vt. 1:09.253
23. Ludovic Guillot-Diat 409 Villard de Lans, France 1:09.498
24. Jayson Hale 410 Sugarbowl, Calif. 1:09.543
25. Alberto Schiavon 421 Madonna di Campiglio, Italy 1:10.901
26. Francois Boivin 402 Jonquiere, QC, Canada 1:11.411
27. Ralph Backstrom 400 Squaw Valley, Calif. 1:11.974
28. Pierre Vaultier 426 Briancon, France 1:12.260
29. Nate Galpin 408 Hailey, ID 1:12.552
30. Michal Novotny 417 Prague, Czech 1:12.650

Posted by Dina at 03:53 PM | Comments (0)

WINTER X-GAMES 11: SNOWBOARD SLOPESTYLE MEN'S

Elimination Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Friday, January 26, 2007 (Top 10 advance to Finals)

Name Bib No. Hometown Score
1. Shaun White 342 Carlsbad, Calif. 92.33
2. Danny Davis 392 Highland, Mich. 90.00
3. Andreas Wiig 343 Oslo, Norway 88.66
4. Jussi Oksanen 337 Kirkkonummi, Finland 85.66
5. Danny Kass 332 Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 82.66
6. Mathieu Crepel 326 Anglet, France 79.00
7. Chas Guldemond 330 Laconia, N.H. 78.66
8. Travis Rice 339 Jackson Hole, Wyo. 75.00
9. Antti Autti 324 Rovaniemi, Finland 75.00
10. Hampus Mosesson 327 Frosen, Sweden 74.66
11. Eero Ettala 328 Helsinki, Finland 74.33
12. Eero Niemela 336 Ojakkala, Finland 73.66
13. Pat Moore 334 Waterville, Valley, N.H. 71.66
14. Marc Frank Montoya 329 Denver, Colo. 70.00
15. Eddie Wall 341 Rome, Penn. 69.33
16. Wyatt Caldwell 325 Sun Valley, Idaho 68.33
17. John Jackson 331 Crowley Lake, Calif. 67.66
18. Chad Otterstrom 338 Breckenridge, Colo. 64.33
19. Heikki Sorsa 340 Helsinki, Finland 60.66
20. Scotty Lago 333 Seabrook, N.H. 52.33

Posted by Dina at 03:46 PM | Comments (0)

X-GAMES 11: SNOWBOARDING SLOPESTYLE WOMEN'S

SNOWBOARDING SLOPESTYLE WOMEN'S
Elimination Results from Aspen/nowmass on Friday, January 26, 2007 (Top 10 advance to Finals)

Name Bib No. Hometown Score
1. Jamie Anderson 302 South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 85.66
2. Marie-France Roy 316 Charlevoix, QC, Canada 83.00
3. Erin Comstock 305 Incline Village, Nevada 80.66
4. Izumi Amaike 360 Yokohama, Japan 80.33
5. Hana Beaman 303 Big Bear, Calif. 79.00
6. Chanelle Sladics 317 Newport Beach, Calif. 77.33
7. Silvia Mittermueller 313 Munich, Germany 62.00
8. Spencer O’Brien 314 Kourtenay, BC, Canada 59.66
9. Torah Bright 320 Cooma, NSW, Australia 53.00
10. Leanne Pelosi 315 Calgary, AB, Canada 51.33
11. Molly Aguirre 300 Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 50.66
12. Isabel Lalive 308 Steamboat Springs, Colo. 47.33
13. Alexis Waite 318 Kirkland, Wash. 47.33
14. Kimmy Fasani 321 Truckee, Calif. 39.00
15. Tara Dakides 306 Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 37.33
16. Laura Hadar 307 Salt Lake City, Utah 35.33

Posted by Dina at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

ESPN WINTER X-GAMES: SNOWMOBILE FREESTYLE

Elimination Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Thursday, January 25, 2007 (Top 4 advance to Semifinals)

Name Bib No. Hometown Score
1. Chris Burandt 902 Kremmling, CO 89.33
2. Aleksander Nordgaard 908 Kirkenes, NOR 85.66
3. Daniel Bodin 910 Malung, SWE 79.66
4. Heath Frisby 905 Caldwell, ID 78.66
5. Sam Carver 903 Valdez, AK 74.00
6. Kyle Armbrust 900 Anchorage, AK 68.66
7. Ryan Britt 901 Valdez, AK 57.00
8. Nate Haag 912 Eden Valley, MN 38.33
9. Jay Quinlan 909 Breckenridge, CO 38.00
10. Jimmy "Blaze" Fejes 904 Anchorage, AK 26.66
Click here for more photos of X-Game events.

Posted by Dina at 07:46 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2007

Corporate Outreach Teams Up With Several Non-Profit Organizations at the 11th Annual Event

LOS ANGELES - ESPN Winter X Games 11 welcomes Team ESPN’s corporate outreach participation as it hosts an on-site booth at Aspen/ Snowmass providing fans an opportunity to learn more about organizations that support Team ESPN's mission to improve the lives of fans and the communities in which they live. The Team ESPN booth will include: Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC), the US Forest Service, the Snowboard Outreach Society and the Women's Sports Foundation in providing information on each organization at the eleventh annual event. In addition, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, will collaborate with Winter X Games through a silent auction of snowboards that were designed and painted by several X Games athletes.

"ESPN Corporate Outreach is so proud to be working with such an elite group of organizations this year at Winter X Games in the hopes of bringing more awareness to each of these charities," said Juliet Gilliam, Senior Director, Corporate Outreach. "With the presence of Team ESPN on site, it is the goal of ESPN to educate and reach out to the younger audience that Winter X Games attracts."

The V Foundation for Cancer Research has teamed up with several X Games athletes to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Snowboarder Tara Dakides donated six blank snowboards for the athletes to paint their own design which are being displayed at the front window of Aspen local shop, Polar Revolution, throughout the weekend of Winter X Games. The silent auction will be from Thursday, Jan 25 until Saturday, Jan 27, and the winners will be announced on stage at Wagner Park Saturday night prior to the Après X concert. Athletes who participated are V spokespeople Tricia Byrnes and Mat Hoffman, Olympic silver medalist Gretchen Bleiler and Skiers Reggie and Zach Crist.

Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness, and fundraising foundation. Its mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle. www.b4bc.org

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest is the most visited US Forest Service unit in the nation. The Forest is home to 12 ski resorts that draw more than seven million visitors to the Forest each year. Six of those resorts are located near Aspen, including Buttermilk Ski Area. To find out more about the White River National Forest, or to learn how to volunteer, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver.

The Snowboard Outreach Society (SOS) was founded in 1993 in the Vail Valley. The organization provides high-quality recreation programs to youth who benefit from the structure and consistency of the SOS curriculum. SOS will introduce more than 1,200 youths to snow sports at 26 mountain resorts during its 13th season this year. www.sosoutreach.org

The Women’s Sports Foundation - Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, the Women’s Sports Foundation is a national charitable educational organization seeking to advance the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. www.womenssportsfoundation.org

Posted by Dina at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

SKIING SUPERPIPE MEN'S Elimination Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Thursday, January 25, 2007 (Top 10 advance to finals)

Name Bib No. Hometown Score
1. Simon Dumont 505 Bethel, ME 91.00
2. Tanner Hall 526 Kalispell, MT 88.00
3. Peter Olenick 510 Aspen, CO 77.33
4. Candide Thovex 515 La Clusaz, FRA 76.66
5. Colby West 522 Canterbury, NH 75.00
6. Andreas Hatveit 507 Sundalen, NOR 68.00
7. Dan Marion 528 Windham, ME 66.33
8. Stefan Thomas 533 Park City, UT 63.00
9. Justin Dorey 538 Vernon, B.C. CAN 63.00
10. Matt Philippi 539 Breckenridge, CO 57.00
11. Mike Riddle 532 Sherwood Park, AB, CAN 56.00
12. Sammy Carlson 504 Tigard, OR 55.66
13. Tanner Rainville 513 Squaw Valley, CA 52.00
14. Loic Collomb-Patton 523 La Clusaz, FRA 50.66
15. Jossi Wells 517 Wanaka, NZL 20.33
16. Charles Gagnier 506 Victoriaville, QC, CAN 10.66

Posted by Dina at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

WINTER X GAMES 11 GREENER THAN EVER

X Games Environmentality: Eco-Action through Action Sports.

ASPEN, Colo. - ESPN Winter X Games 11, scheduled to take place Jan. 25-28 in Aspen/Snowmass, will expand upon a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility through X Games Environmentality (XGE) and proactive support from Aspen Skiing Company as well as other local groups. After the successful launch of XGE in 2006, X Games continues to set the standard for environmental excellence in the production of sporting events. Environmental initiatives at Winter X Games 11 will focus on the following: the use of renewable energy, reducing waste through recycling and composting, the use of sustainable materials wherever possible and an enhanced staff and spectator education program.

XGE is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the responsible use of natural resources. Following the lead of Aspen Skiing Company, ESPN will utilize wind energy credits as an alternative source of energy for the Games. As a result, 100 percent of carbon and electrical emissions created by the Winter X Games will be subsidized with wind energy credits. To accomplish this, clean energy generated by wind farms throughout the United States will be added to the national energy grid, thereby lowering the demand for fossil fuels. Aspen Skiing Company also uses biodiesel fuel in their snowcats and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority operates the spectator and staff shuttles with clean-hybrid technology.

To further decrease carbon emissions, XGE is also planting a selection of trees on behalf of all athletes participating in Winter X Games 11. In their honor, Lodgepole Pines and Douglasfir trees will be planted in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, located in Colorado, to contribute to the reforestation following devastating fires that took place in 2005.

"The ESPN X Games attracts a young demographic, and that puts us in a terrific position to lead by example in increasing environmental education and awareness for future generations," said Chris Stiepock, X Games General Manager. "Our sports depend on a healthy environment, and we're proud of our efforts to preserve natural resources in any way we can."

XGE also extends into green purchasing and use of environmentally sensitive, sustainable materials throughout event venues whenever possible. In the staff catering area, utensils, plates and cups made from renewable natural fibers, such as corn, sugarcane, and wood pulp are being provided.

A comprehensive recycling and composting program will again be implemented with receptacles placed throughout the venue in which spectators can recycle traditional items and compost biodegradable materials, such as food waste and paper products. Behind the scenes, additional landfill diversion measures are in place to recycle paper, cardboard, electronics, construction materials, and plastic shrink wrap. In an effort to ensure maximum recovery of these materials, recyclables will be processed at a specialized facility. The success of the recycling program at Winter X Games 10 in Aspen, Colo. last January resulted in 37 tons of waste being diverted from the landfill. Last summer, compost collection and recycling efforts at X Games 12 in Los Angeles diverted 71 percent of the event waste and more than six tons of nutrient-rich soil was produced from spectator and staff food waste collected on-site.

Aspen/Snowmass has been the Winter X Games host since 2002 and will remain there through 2010. Efforts made in the areas of habitat protection and enhancement, energy and water efficiency, green development, waste management, recycling and alternative transportation are what elevated Aspen Skiing Company to serve as the country’s Green Leader in the mountain resort industry.

For more information, visit www.xgamesenvironmentality.com.

Posted by Dina at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)

X-Game Results: Snowboard Superpipe Women's

Elimination Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
(Top 10 advance to finals)

Name Bib No. Hometown Score

1. Gretchen Bleiler 352 Aspen, CO 88.00
2. Elena Hight 357 South Lake Tahoe, CA 80.33
3. Manuela Pesko 362 Lenzerheide, Switzerland 78.00
4. Hannah Teter 364 Belmont, VT 75.33
5. Torah Bright 320 Cooma, Australia 74.00
6. Kelly Clark 356 Mount Snow, VT 71.00
7. Mercedes Nicoll 360 Whistler, BC, Canada 69.00
8. Kjerst Oestgaard Buas 361 Trondheim, Norway 66.66
9. Lindsey Jacobellis 358 Satratton, VT 64.66
10. Sophie Rodriguez 368 Grenoble, France 64.33
11. Molly Aguire 300 Mammotk Lake, CA 62.33
12. Dominique Vallee 366 Montreal, QC, Canada 61.33
13. Paulina Ligocka 359 Cieszyn, Poland 56.66
14. Junko Aszuma 350 Tokyo, Japan 56.66
15. Meg Pugh 363 Sunnyvale, CA 53.00
16. Tricia Byrnes 355 Aspen, CO 48.00
17. Clair Bidez 351 Minturn, CO 44.00
18.Leslie Glenn 369 Breckenridge, CO 42.00

Complete listings of all results and releases from Winter X Games 11 are on www.espneventmedia.com

Posted by Dina at 08:32 AM | Comments (1)

January 24, 2007

Snow for X-games XI

In town, the entire buzz is around X-game XI with two more days before the launching party at Belly-Up Aspen, featuring Blackalicious and the opening of the Red Bull Illume installation at the bottom of Aspen Mountain. On Mountain, we were blessed with another snow storm this weekend which left us with 10”of fresh snow in places. It made for some amazing powder turns, good laughs and fun falls.

Skiers: Kate Cardamone, Dina Bloom, Greg Conroy
Photos: Tim Kurnos

Posted by Dina at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)

January 20, 2007

Aspen discounts passes for young X Games fans

By Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News
January 20, 2007

Those with proof of their youth will get to ski on the cheap in Aspen next week.
The upscale resort will cut prices for the age 24 and under college-going crowd, which will soon arrive in force for the annual winter spectacle known as the X Games. A pass good for two days of skiing during the four-day event will effectively offer lift access for less than $30 a day vs. the usual $82 daily rate.

But lodging prices will be anything but affordable for those who've yet to book a room for the event, which runs Thursday to Monday.

"To find anything within a reasonable price - for under $500 a night - over the four-day weekend is no longer a possibility," said Bill Tomcich, president of Stay AspenSnowmass, the area's central reservations agency.

Saturday night will again likely be the busiest single night of the year, with occupancy rates at 98 percent vs. 96 percent around Christmas, Tomcich said. And unlike the holiday season, the X Games typically mean the moderately priced hotels fill up first.
"The lower-end accommodations have been gone for a long, long time," Tomcich said. "It's a totally opposite situation from the holidays."

Read the rest of this article

View the Aspen Snowmass Media Center

Book a ski trip to Aspen / Snowmass

View more information on the X Games in Aspen

Posted by jmidthun at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2007

ESPN Winter X Games 11

Winter X Games will return to Aspen/Snowmass for an unprecedented sixth year from Thursday, January 25 through Sunday, January 28, 2007.

The annual Winter X Games is the premier winter action sports event in the world, featuring athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in the following sports: Ski, Snowboard and Snowmobile. Winter X Games 11 will feature nighttime events and will be telecast live on ESPN and ABC.

More information on the ESPN Winter X Games 11

Posted by jmidthun at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2007

BUD LIGHT SPRING JAM AT ASPEN/SNOWMASS

Spring Jam is the premier spring festival in the Rocky Mountains. Held March 22-25, 2007, our natural stadiums are overflowing with audience enthusiasm for four straight days. We infuse new-school competitions with downtown concerts, parties and core cultural events, along with the top athletes and energized spectators.

Thursday, March 22 - Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert in Snowmass. (ACT-TBA)

Friday, March 23 - Bud Light Big Air Friday on Fanny Hill in Snowmass. Skiers and snowboarders flip, twist, spin, grab and even invent their own tricks to impress a panel of judges. (2-3pm) Friday Night CORE Party in downtown Aspen. Don't miss one of the biggest street parties of the year! (ACT-TBA)

Saturday, March 24 - Red Bull/SCS sled style demo in Snowmass. Saturday night check out KickAspen Big Air. Athletes showcasing their big air talent off an 18' kicker!

Sunday, March 25 - Snow Angels Invitational in Snowmass. This new event will bring in top female riders to compete in an all women's superpipe invitational. Aspen/ Snomass local and 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Gretchen Bleiler will be a part of this exciting new event!

More information on Spring Jam at Aspen

Posted by jmidthun at 03:30 PM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2007

WINTER X GAMES APRES X PRESENTS SATELLITE PARTY AND COMMON

Aspen, Colo. - Together with Aspen Skiing Company, ESPN X Games presents headlining acts Satellite Party to kick off day one of Apres X, the official Winter X Games concert series event, and Grammy Award winning Hip-Hop artist Common to wrap up day two. As part of the festivities surrounding Winter X Games 11, the free-to-the-public concert series will be held on Friday, Jan. 26 beginning at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 27 beginning at 10:00 p.m. at Wagner Park in the heart of downtown Aspen, between Monarch Street and Durant Street.

"As the Winter X Games continues to evolve with the progression of sports, it also evolves around music," said Chris Stiepock, Winter X Games General Manager. "Apres X is an integral part of the action sports lifestyle and culture that engulfs Aspen during our event, and we are proud to work with our music sponsors and the City of Aspen to present great free music to all those who come to the Winter X Games."

Making their world-debut performance appearance at Apres X, Satellite Party features one of music's most influential figures and alternative rock originator, Perry Farrell. Blending sounds as varied as rock, electro, urban beats and symphony, Farrell's new group is a bold and ambitious project in his first post-Jane's Addiction recording effort that marks a new chapter in his recording career. A debut album three years in the making, "Ultra Payloaded Satellite Party" further cements Farrell's status as one of world's true artistic visionaries as it continues to marry his love for music and drive to inspire change. "Ultra Payloaded Satellite Party" will hit the stores in May 2007. For more information, please visit www.satelliteparty.com.

With more than six recorded albums, Grammy Award winning artist Common rose to prominence as one of hip-hops most poetic and respected lyricists. In 2004, he partnered with Chicago native and rap music mega-star Kanye West to produce the platinum selling "BE", which went on to garner four Grammy Award nominations. In July 2006, his video for the single "Testify" was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards including Best Hip-Hop Video. He and West are currently in the process of recording Common's seventh album, "Finding Forever", due out in March 2007. In addition to his music career, Common can add big screen acting and an author of children's books to his list of accomplishments.

Posted by Dina at 02:31 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2007

ART AFTER HOURS CELEBRATE WINTERSKOL 2007

ART AFTER HOURS CELEBRATE WINTERSKOL 2007

Thursday, January 11, 5 - 7 p.m.
Stop by the museum after hours for an evening of music
and refreshments on the opening night of Winterskol

Special complimentary tasting of
Chef George Markatos' 2006 Soupskol-Winning Recipe
(Aspen Elks Lodge, 3rd Annual Soupskol Winners)

Featuring gallery tours of
Amy Adler: Make-Believe
Markus Schinwald

More information on the Aspen Art Musuem

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January 10, 2007

ESPN X GAMES ANNOUNCES THE SECOND WAVE OF INVITED ATHLETES TO WINTER X GAMES 11

Among Those Invited to Compete at Aspen/Snowmass in the World's Premier Action Sports Event are Shaun Palmer, Ross Powers, Antti Autti, Chris Burandt, Tara Dakides, Jimmy "Blaze" Feijas, Sam Ferguson, Charles Gagnier, T.J. Gulla, Kristi Leskinen and J.J. Thomas

ESPN X Games, the world's premier action sports event, announces the second wave of athletes who have been invited to compete at Winter X Games 11, which will be held for its sixth year at Buttermilk Mountain at Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado January 25-28, 2007. The 11th annual winter action sports competition will feature more than 250 athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in the following sports: Skiing, Snowboard and Snowmobile. The event includes day and evening competitions and is free to the public.

Among the newly announced invited athletes are six-time Winter X Games gold medalist Shaun Palmer, five-time gold medalist Tara Dakides, Winter X Games Nine SuperPipe gold medalist Antti Autti, Olympic and two-time Winter X Games gold medalist Ross Powers, Winter X Games 2002 SuperPipe gold medalist J.J. Thomas, Winter X Games 10 Skiing Slopestyle gold medalist Charles Gagnier, former Snowmobile gold medalist T.J. Gulla and returning 2005 Ski SuperPipe bronze medalist Kristi Leskinen.

Local Aspen native Sam Ferguson will also compete in the inaugural year of the Mono Skier X competition in hopes of joining the ranks of Winter X Games gold medalists. Also new to the Winter X Games, Snowmobile Freestyle competitors Chris Burandt and Jimmy "Blaze" Feijas will look to amaze crowds, showcasing their full arsenal of tricks that the sport of Snowmobile Freestyle has to offer in what will be the inaugural year for the new discipline.

For a complete list of the second wave of invited athletes, please visit www.expn.com. The third wave of invitations is scheduled to be announced in mid-January.

All athletes receiving invitations to compete at Winter X Games 11 are chosen by a sport-specific selection committee. Criteria and timing of invitations vary by sport and discipline, and the only exception is each gold medalist from Winter X Games 10 (2006) receives an automatic invitation to compete.

ESPN and ABC will feature 15 hours of live programming January 25 - January 28. ESPN2 will present daily late-night highlight programs from January 26 - January 29, resulting in 19 total hours of original programming for Winter X Games 11. Additionally, the Winter X Games will also be televised on ESPN's International networks to more than 121 countries and territories in Latin America, the Pacific Rim, Middle East, Africa and Israel.

SportsCenter, ESPN's flagship daily news program, will report from Aspen/Snowmass starting Thursday, January 25 through Sunday, January 28. Each of those nights, the 11 p.m. ET SportsCenter will contain event coverage from Winter X Games 11.

All the information you need for Winter X Games 11 is on Stay Aspen Snowmass.

Posted by Dina at 07:49 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2007

Snowmass Village concludes Winterskol Festivities with midwinter festivities, free concert & fun

Here is the latest press release from Snowmass Village:

(Snowmass Village, CO.) On January 14, Snowmass offers up a "skol" or "toast" to winter with a full day of events as part of the annual Winterskol celebration in Aspen/Snowmass January 11-14. Begun in 1951 by Aspen locals searching for a unique way to celebrate the valley's Nordic lifestyle, Winterskol now encompasses four days of zany winter events from January 11-14 at all four Aspen/Snowmass mountains. Snowmass Village concludes the Winterskol festivities on January 14 with a free concert, Swissbob races, and kids fun.

"We're thrilled to be a part of the Winterskol festivities and look forward to closing out the event with a full day of fun Snowmass-style," says Susan Hamley, Marketing Director for Snowmass Village. "From swissbob mania to face painting to bluegrass music, we've got something for everyone."

The day kicks off with the fourth annual Snowmass Swissbob Races on Fanny Hill where competitors can challenge their downhill moxie on a sled only 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep. In addition to Downhill and GS races, the Uphill Swissbob Challenge involves both a 500-foot vertical climb and a downhill course. Those participating in all three competitions have the chance to win a Super Avalouge (valued at $250) and Leedom Helmets (valued at $100). The first 20 contestants to register receive a free Swissbob sled (additional registrants must bring their own Swissbob, which are available for sale at Snowmass' Aspen Sports store next to the ticket pavilion).

Free kids activities fill the Snowmass Village Mall at 1 p.m. while the Snowmass Village Mall Stage rocks from 2:30-5 p.m. with acclaimed bluegrass group The Wayword Sons, who combine the critically acclaimed songwriting of Benny Galloway, stellar musicianship, and unique instrumentation including keyboards, dobro, acoustic guitar and upright bass. The band's genre-bending sound calls upon traditional bluegrass as a jumping off point for musical experimentation, and their first album in 2006 debuted in the top ten of Billboard Magazine's bluegrass charts. For more band information and press photos, visit www.waywordsons.com. The day concludes with fireworks over Fanny Hill at 7 pm.

Visitors are encouraged to ski and stay on to dine at one of Snowmass' nearly 30 restaurants and bars. Lockers are available throughout the Snowmass Village Mall, and regional buses pick up at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall at 15- and 45-minutes past the hour. The buses are free to Aspen until 4:45pm and then only $3 per ride afterwards.

Snowmass Winterskol Schedule January 14:
9-10 a.m. Snowmass Swissbob Race Registration $20 entry fee.
First 20 entries get to keep their own Swissbob!
Location: Front of Ticket Pavilion, Snowmass Village Mall
Details: Call Josh Behrman, 925-1663

11am - 2 pm Snowmass Swissbob Bobcross, GS, and Uphill Swissbob Challenge
Location: Fanny Hill
Details: Call Josh Behrman, 925-1663

1 p.m. Kid's Winter Fun Begins in the Mall. Face painting, balloons, house of bounce, stilt walker, etc.
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Details: Call Josh Behrman, 925-1663

2:30 - 5 p.m. Concert: "The Wayword Sons" Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Details: Call Josh Behrman, 925-1663

3:30 p.m. Snowmass Swissbob Awards Ceremony
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Details: Call Josh Behrman, 925-1663

7 p.m. Snowmass Fireworks over Fanny Hill
Location: Fanny Hill
Details: Call Josh Behrman, 925-1663

For more information on Winterskol click here

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