Those of the “work hard, play harder” mentality will find more than a few kindred spirits at the kickoff event of the recently revamped Jeep King of the Mountain Ski Tour in Telluride from Thursday-Sunday.
The difference being that most of the 50-some elite athletes punching the clock at this celebration of mountain culture are actually getting paid to ski and snowboard. Not to worry, though.
The weekend promises to feature equal intensity on and off the snow, with high-energy concerts from the likes of Michael Franti and Spearhead, Macy Gray, Swollen Members and Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk capping off action-packed ski-cross and snowboard-cross competition as the world’s best in these burgeoning race disciplines establish a hierarchy of speed that might carry into the 2010 Olympics.
The merging of the reputable King of the Mountain series with last winter’s hip newcomer, The Ski Tour, promises A-list athletes (including Olympians Daron Rahlves, Casey Puckett, Seth Wescott and Lindsey Jacobellis) and a velvet rope social scene that’s open to all. From live music, street parties, film festivals, fireworks and fashion shows to straight- up skiing and snowboarding — Telluride style — you’ll have your work cut out just trying to keep up, player.
Check it out: has a full schedule of events and ticket information.
