Big Air Fridays Take Flight
They’re back. The Aspen Skiing Co.’s weekly high-flying weekend kickoff competitions on Fanny Hill in Snowmass — Bud Light Big Air Fridays — return to the snow and sky on Friday, Feb. 8.
Go check out a variety of high-flying acrobatics displayed by the best new school riders in the valley, as skiers and snowboarders launch off of the big air jump and do their best to become the next “Soarin’” Torin.
The competition is a 45 minute jam session, starting at 2 p.m. Judges choose four skiers and four snowboarders from the jam session to continue on to the finals. The finalists will have one jump and then be placed according to best-trick.
And, of course, don’t miss the Little Air comp, bringing kids of all ages to compete for giveaways on a mini-jump just after Big Air Fridays.
The comps run every week from Feb. 8 through April 5. The comp moves from Fanny Hill to Buttermilk on Feb. 22, in conjunction with the Aspen/Snowmass Freeskiing Open.
Registration is open to the public from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. on the day of the event and the entry fee is $20. You must be 13 years old to compete.
More info at www.aspensnowmass.com [1]
Ski for the Cure
Throw on your pink beanie and go shred for a good cause this Saturday on Aspen Mountain.
The third annual Ski for the Cure benefit comes to the mountain, raising money for Komen Aspen and their breast cancer research and awareness efforts.
The fun fundraiser offers prizes for the most vertical feet per team and per individual — and also for the “pinkest” competitor on the slopes.
Komen will have five education tents set up around Ajax, where you can learn about their efforts and earn extra points toward your vertical total.
Teams and individuals can register at Gondola Plaza between 9 and 10 a.m. with skiing running from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 for small kids to $45 for adults, and discounted lift tickets are available.
There will be an après party and awards ceremony at the Sky Hotel from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
More information at 970-920-0250 or www.komenaspen.org [2]
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
It is a matter of fact that there is no better place on Earth to be this weekend than New Orleans, as Mardi Gras rolls into its final days of parades and good times.
Of course, Aspen’s a pretty good place, too, especially if you know what it means to miss New Orleans and you can go see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the Wheeler Opera House on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Preservation Hall itself is a no-frills venue on St. Peter Street in the French Quarter, where it’s been home to this band and its revolving cast of characters for more than 50 years. They are the keepers of the flame of the New Orleans jazz tradition, channeling Louis Armstrong and his brassy ilk.
When you go see these guys in the Quarter, you have to throw in some extra cash to hear played out tunes like “When the Saints Go Marching In,” but at the Wheeler you get it all for $38. Tickets available at aspenshowtix.com
