PR: Second Annual Boarderfest Returns to Buttermilk Mountain
(October 22, 1996) 

ASPEN/SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo.- For the second consecutive year, Buttermilk Mountain will be dedicated solely to snowboarders on Dec. 14 and 15. An unprecedented success, last year's event attracted over 2,300 riders throughout the weekend, including riders as young as 6 years and as old as 82. And the vast majority of the beginning riders said they would "definitely snowboard again!"

BoarderFest will feature a $29 lift ticket each day, including free lessons, free demo boards, workshops for advanced riders, big air demonstrations, live music, raffles and giveaways. Over 40 manufacturers will display the latest in boots, bindings, boards, clothing and accessories. Special lodging packages will also be available for the weekend.

"Our goal last year was to be able to introduce individuals and families to the sport in a low-cost, unintimidating and fun environment - Panda Peak has never cushioned so many bottoms in one weekend," said Buttermilk Mountain Manager Peter King. With the help of approximately 60 pros, more than 500 new riders were introduced to the sport, while another 500 improved their skills through lessons. "Through BoarderFest, Buttermilk was the first to dedicate a mountain exclusively to snowboarders, hosted more never-evers, taught more snowboard lessons, and had more demo boards available than any other resort in the nation in a single weekend," added Kevin Delaney, director of snowboarding.

Buttermilk Mountain has long been heralded as a "snowboarder's paradise" with its gently rolling slopes, "ballroom grooming" and snowboard park. Buttermilk's dominance as a premier learning mountain is uncontested. As more and more skiers are becoming "cross-over" riders, Buttermilk has become the mountain of choice.

Including Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass Ski Area, there are over 3,500 acres of lift-served snowboarding available in the Aspen/Snowmass area, with an additional 1,500 acres open to snowboarding on the back side of Aspen Mountain. Whether a person rides a carving, freestyle or all mountain board, there is terrain to suit any skill level.

Aspen Highlands offers unbeatable challenges for the advanced rider. The steeps and tight trees of Temerity, Sherwood Forest, and Twilight Zone are not meant for the faint of heart, although Grand Prix, Upper Robinson and Golden Horn will allow everyone a good cruise for their money.

Snowmass offers more than 2,500 acres of pure delight to snowboarders. After beginning snowboarders have mastered the "head wall" on Fanny Hill, they may choose to proceed to the top of the Big Burn, explore recently opened acreage in Two Creeks, or head over to High Alpine for an exhilarating cruise down Green Cabin. New to Snowmass this season will be the addition of snowboard lunch tents at the base of Assay Hill, and "Bears on Boards" will be introduced through Ski School's Big Burn Bears program for children ages 5 through 7. Snowmass maintains a snowboard park and one of the nation's longest half-pipes.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of riding in Aspen/Snowmass is the opportunity to learn from some of the best instructors in the country. The Delaney Snowboard Camps, featuring world-champion rider Kevin Delaney, offer both two-day camps for beginners and new, one-day tune-up clinics for advanced riders. The Delaney method features the use of the Quick Stick to help newcomers get up and riding in a hurry.

Ski Pro Boone Lennon will be back this year with his "Quick Carve" method of instruction. Designed for cross-over skiers, Lennon utilizes hard-shell snowboard boots, a carving board and a "suitcase glider" that runs along the snow for balance.

With several million riders in the sport today, it's clear that the passion and enthusiasm for snowboarding continues to grow. For reservations and information about BoarderFest call 800/525-6200 and ask for Team Buttermilk.