The third annual Cover Girl Snow Angels Invitational went off in Aspen Snowmass over the weekend. The event, pioneered by Gretchen Bleiler, proved to be the perfect way to cap off the intense halfpipe contest season this winter. This competition differs completely from every other event and is geared to gathering the leading ladies of shred to ride together in a pressure-less environment.
The weekend event kicked off as the ladies checked into their luxurious accommodations at the new Viceroy Hotel at the base of Snowmass Mountain. A meet and greet ensued and everyone gathered to enjoy appetizers at the super swanky Eight K Lounge. Anticipation for to ride together was palpable as a powder day awaited.
The Viceroy. Photo: Tawnya Schultz- Snowboard Magazine
The next morning yoga sessions complements of Nike went down and the ladies got limber. Then everyone was ready to slash it up through the freshly accumulated snow. The day was spent exploring the vast terrain of Aspen/Snowmass giving the girls a chance to focus on filming and photos. After a great day on the hill it was time to relax and everyone enjoyed spa sessions and massages at the Viceroy.
Following a good night's rest, the pipe contest kicked off Saturday morning under overcast skies. The grey weather was overshadowed by the bright personalities that shone through each rider at the top of the pipe. Each were excited to be do what they love, while riding together.
The comp was run as a jam format allowing the women to take as many runs as desired. The judging was broken into four categories: Overall performance, Highest Air, most Progressive riding and the "Barbie Style Award."
This format created a progressive atmosphere with little pressure. The ladies were going for it, some even attempting tricks never before executed in a contest. Ellery Hollingworth put together a really impressive and stylish run that included a halfcab into the pipe to a layback to a styled out backside 540.
Ellery Hollingsworth layback steeze. Photo: Matt Murray-Oakley
Kelly Clark was the big winner of the day taking first in the Overall Performance Category, earning the Highest Air Award and winning the "Barbie Style Award."
Kelly Clark threw this sick two handed shifty that earned her the Barbie Style Award, 3,000 extra bucks and bunch of barbies. Photo: Matt Murray-Oakley
Rounding out the podium was Soko Yamoko who took second and Ursina Haller who nabbed third. 15 year old Maddie Schaffrick took the Most Progressive Riding Award for her technical Crippler tricks.
The Podium- Congrats ladies! Photo: Matt Murray- Oakley
With the contest a success it was time to celebrate all the great riding that went down through the long and strenuous season. An apres party kicked off poolside at the Viceroy. Everyone enjoyed sushi by the large outdoor fires and talked about the days great riding.
The following morning everyone awoke to take part in yoga and freeride in the spring conditions. The weather was warm and the snow was soft. Some of the girls opted to switch it up and hoped on skis for a few runs. It was Olympian Elena Hight's second time on skis and it was interesting to see this world class snowboarder become a little fearful to get off the lift. But she crushed it cruising down the hill.
Elena Hight and Linn Haug get their ski on. Photo: @TawnyaSchultz
After the mini ski session the ladies switched back to their boards and lapped the pristine pipe. Banger after banger was thrown in the prime conditions and everyone had a blast. Canadian Merecedes Nicol smiled the whole time and said "this is the best day of riding I've had all season." Gretchen Bleiler agreed exclaiming, "Today has been so sick! I'm so happy to be riding with all these amazing girls in this amazing pipe!"
Merecedes Nicol, Gretchen Bleiler, Elena Hight, and Tricia Byrnes so stoked on the great shred day. Photo: Matt Murray- Oakley
With the contest season officially over, the chicas headed back to get ready for their big night out in Aspen by getting glam thanks to Cover Girl beauticians who did their hair, makeup and nails.
Elena Hight getting her nails done.
With the makeovers complete, the women headed into Aspen to get their dance on at Belly Up for the Danger Kitty concert. The 80's tribute band blew up the stage and the ladies loved it, some even broke it down on stage like rockstars with the rockers.
The Ladies breaking it down to the '80's rock! Photo: Tawnya Schultz- Snowboard Mag
The concert was the perfect way to end this event as it gave the ladies a chance to let go and and enjoy themselves. The Snow Angels Invitational was a great finale to the contest season giving all the riders a chance to rest, relax and ride, reminding them of their love of nsnowboarding.
Thanks to everyone for putting this awesome event together and big ups all the sponsors:
Meredith Mckee
Oakley
Aspen Snowmass
Gretchen Bleiler
Viceroy Hotel
Cover Girl
Snowboard Mag
Belly Up
Can't wait for Next year!
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