Turns out the “Gretchen Bleiler Invitational” had it right the first time. Even after changing its name to the CoverGirl Snow Angels Invitational, it was all about Bleiler at the inaugural event last weekend. The Aspen hostess took home the mostest at the women-only season-ending snowboard weekend she created, claiming $10,000 for her dominance in the superpipe and being named the event’s MPR (most progressive rider).
Fifteen of the world’s best female snowboarders were invited to Aspen/Snowmass to take part in the competition, with Kelly Clark of Mount Snow, Vt., placing second and laying claim to both best trick (a frontside 900) and highest air.
“This first year has been above and beyond all my hopes and expectations,” Blei- ler said.
Silverton mining skiers.
Those who were denied the Silverton Mountain experience during guided skiing season this winter will want to make the move down to the San Juans for the three remaining weekends of unguided mountain access in April (12-13, 19-20 and 26-27). The experts-only mountain (www.silvertonmountain.com) opened to unguided skiers Friday; the year-to-date snow total is more than 500 inches.
Bikefest growing.
The Crankworx Colorado Mountain Bike Festival will return to Winter Park Resort from July 31-Aug. 3. The event moves into its second year at Winter Park growing from three days to four, adding more age brackets to each competition and upping the prize money to $30,000.
“Our goal is to up the ante with this event each year,” said Bob Holme, Winter Park’s bike park and youth marketing manager.
Visit for information.
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
