Bump bashers with little interest in the Winter X Games should consider dropping in on Saturday’s Talons Challenge at Beaver Creek, where advanced skiers and snowboarders are invited to tackle 13 of the resort’s most difficult black and double-black diamond runs for a total of 23,722 vertical feet of steep.
More than 1,000 participants are expected at the annual event, taking to the Beav’s lauded Birds of Prey slopes, Grouse Mountain and Larkspur Bowl. While some runs will be groomed for the event, most participants will want mogul skis if they intend to complete the feat in a single day.
Afterward, they will be appreciative of the mountainside A-Prey Party at Red Tail Camp, where those who complete the challenge will earn a free Talons hat, a lanyard, a bratwurst and a beer. One grand prize raffle winner will receive a round-trip vacation package to Beaver Creek’s sister ski resort, Lech-Zurs, Austria, including airfare, lift tickets and lodging for two. The rest will have to settle for T-shirts, sweat shirts and ski and snowboard giveaways.
Do it: The event is free with a valid lift ticket and open to riders of all ages. Registration will take place Saturday from 8:30-11 a.m. at the base of the Centennial lift in Beaver Creek Village or on the mountain at Red Tail Camp.
