In a world filled with partisan politics and grudge rivalries, Copper Mountain is bringing the love to Summit County this weekend.
Think of the U.S. Halfpipe Grand Prix taking place today and Saturday as Copper’s version of family values, an unprecedented union of the kindred ski and snowboard superpipe nations in a formerly snowboard-centric contest series dating back to 1998. For the sake of the moment, just try to forget that the riders will be duking it out among themselves for a share of the $200,000 purse.
The U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix has been long considered hallowed ground among those who prefer to slide sideways, originally established with the specific intent of determining the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team.
Today marks a break from tradition as this winter’s two-stop tour introduces skiers to the Grand Prix ‘pipe mix for the first time in series history. The addition comes as International Olympic Committee members ponder the inclusion of halfpipe skiing to medal competition at Sochi 2014.
But whether you’re looking ahead to Sochi, reliving the snowboard glory of the Vancouver Games, or simply interested in a world-class sideshow to complement your day on the slopes, Copper has you covered. The recently retitled Visa U.S. Halfpipe Grand Prix brings several of the world’s top superpipe skiers and snowboarders to Summit County for a contest that’s certain to push the boundaries of both sports.
Skiers — including part-time Breckenridge local Simon Dumont, Basalt 15-year-old upstart Torin Yater-Wallace and Vail’s young Patrick Baskins — will take to the 22-foot Main Vein Superpipe for finals competition today at noon. Only 12 of the original 68 men to enter the contest advanced, led by Canadian Mike Riddle, who landed an impressive double-flip 1200 in his top qualifying run.
Snowboarders — including U.S. Olympians Louie Vito, Greg Bretz, Scotty Lago and Kelly Clark, among others — will take their turn at the double-flipping or “double-corked” tricks Saturday beginning at 11:30 a.m. Both contests are free to spectators.
After the awards, skiers and snowboarders will take aim at the always innovative Paul Mitchell Progression Session beginning Saturday at 7 p.m. With only one male and female winner recognized, any remaining conflicts will be settled the traditional way — by hugging it out.
U.S. Halfpipe Grand Prix
Today and Saturday at Copper Mountain
* Today: Men’s and women’s ski halfpipe finals
* Saturday: Men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe finals
* TV: KUSA-9, Sunday, noon
AROUND TOWN
Same old Roadrunners.
Since Tanya Haave took over for Linda Lappe as coach of the Metro State women’s basketball team — when Lappe left to coach at Colorado before this season — the Roadrunners haven’t missed a beat.
At 6-0 and now receiving votes in the national Division II coaches poll, Metro State returns to Denver this weekend for its Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference home opener. The Roadrunners host Nebraska-Kearney tonight at 5 p.m. and Chadron State on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The Metro men’s team also is in town to host the Lopers and Eagles at 7 p.m. for back-to-back nights of back-to-back games at Auraria Event Center.
The Regis men and women will host the same teams on alternate nights. Check for the full schedules.
STAY ON THE COUCH
Welcome to the club.
Eric Studesville will enter the Broncos’ record book Sunday as the team’s fourth interim coach and 13th overall when Denver plays at Arizona against the Cardinals.
The game pitting 3-9 teams kicks off at 2:15 p.m. on KCNC-4.
Studesville joins a less-than-illustrious group. Of the others, only Mac Speedie went on to the full-time job — and he compiled a 6-19-1 record with the team. Ray Malavasi (4-8) and Jerry Smith (2-3) also held the interim title.
But, two interim coaches in the NFL this season — Jason Garrett in Dallas and Leslie Frazier at Minnesota — are a combined 5-1 since taking over.
Also, keep an eye on Knowshon Moreno. The Broncos running back could become the team’s first to reach 1,000 yards rushing in a season since 2006, when Tatum Bell finished the season with 1,025. Moreno has 633 yards so far this season, with four games to play.
More immediately, get your clicker flipping today between Altitude and Altitude2, with the Avs facing the Thrashers in Atlanta with a 5:30 p.m. faceoff (ALT), and the Nuggets going against the Raptors in Toronto at 5 p.m. (ALT2).
GET OFF THE COUCH
Jingle all the way.
All that sun might not have made for fun in Denver on Thursday, a hunker-down day in the work week. But Sunday, well, that’s a different story.
Expect sun, fun and ridiculously nice weather for Sunday’s Jingle Bell Run and Walk at Washington Park in Denver. No horse-drawn sleighs here, just sneakers and shorts and a chance to help the Arthritis Foundation of America.
The race kicks off at 10:15 a.m., but registration and mingling starts at 8 a.m. Check for information.
For more outdoors events, check The Denver Post’s Go and Do calendar at .
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
Bold moves in Breck.
Movies, snow, skiing, boarding — all in one in Breckenridge this weekend. The Summit Action Sports Film Festival, which started Wednesday, continues through Saturday’s awards ceremony.
Screen a few movies from noon to midnight today at Brooklyn’s Tavern on Main Street, with skiing and snowboarding the topics from directors around the world.
The fest includes a photography exhibit and live music. Check for the full schedule.
Nick Groke, The Denver Post
