Aspen skicross racer Casey Puckett’s season was cut short last week after he suffered a separated shoulder in a collision during World Cup racing in Grindelwald, Switzerland. Puckett was hit from behind as he crossed the finish line first in the opening round of the race eventually won by Lars Lewen of Sweden. Puckett was knocked unconscious and was flown by helicopter to a hospital, where he was given a CT scan before being treated and released. Details of the incident can be found on Puckett’s blog at:
Denver’s Torito excels. Denver moguls skier Emiko Torito continued to tear up the World Cup freestyle circuit with her third consecutive third-place finish, this one Friday at Are, Sweden. Torito used a helicopter off the top jump and a backflip-X off the bottom one to lead four U.S. women into the top 10, including Michelle Roark of Denver, who finished eighth.
“This is the most consistent I’ve ever been. I feel like I’m starting to build some confidence, and every time I do well it grows,” Torito said. “It would be cool to be first or second, but I feel happy with any World Cup podium. It’s my first year making regular podiums, and it feels good.”
Ridgway’s Jimmy Discoe placed seventh among the men for a career best.
Skier on plate. Colorado Ski Country USA is inviting the state’s skiers, snowboarders and drivers to join its initiative for a ski-themed license plate in Colorado. The state has not offered a specialized license plate featuring a skier since 1958. CSCUSA hopes to submit an application including 3,000 names of Colorado residents interested in bringing back the plates. Those interested in supporting the ski license plate can view a prototype and add their names to the list by visiting
. Signing the list is not a commitment to purchase the $50 plates.
Extended hours. Keystone guests can now ski and snowboard from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, until March 30. Keystone will also offer expanded terrain during twilight skiing hours, along with the Sundown Showdown competition in the A51 Terrain Park every Thursday night in March. It is open to intermediate and expert skiers and riders. Registration is $10 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the A51 Terrain Park.
Ski Patrol tests. The Beaver Creek Ski Patrol is hosting its annual ski-testing opportunity March 22 for new-hire candidates for the 2008-09 season. Skiers, snowboarders and teleskiers are invited to test their skills on a variety of terrain in order to demonstrate their ability to handle the rigors of the job. Testing includes two or three runs in variable conditions evaluated by members of Beaver Creek’s current patrol team. Interested candidates should call 970-845-6610. Advanced notification is required.
