Local athletes warming up in the superpipe, preparing for Second Annual Alyeska Pipeline Masters Super Pipe Competition to be held January 29

January 20, 2011 (Girdwood, Alaska) – Given current snow levels, Alyeska Resort’s freestyle terrain – including two terrain parks and the newly opened super pipe – has been well received with ample usage. The super pipe will host its first competition of the season on Saturday, January 29 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The competition is called the Alyeska Pipeline Masters and is open to skiers and snowboarders. There will be both cash and prize awards.

The super pipe opened on Friday, January 14 and is located just below the mid-way point of Chair 7. Preparations for opening the super pipe required about a week of dedicated grooming time. The resort brought up industry expert Josh Lempert, owner of Snow Grind which specializes in snow park design, building and consulting, to lead the cutting and building process. The super pipe utilizes an in-ground design which typically reduces the amount of snow needed to open and takes advantage of natural snowfall accumulation. The terrain park and super pipe crew started making snow for the super pipe in December, taking advantage of the cold temperatures. To shape and maintain the super pipe, the resort uses an 18-foot Zaugg Pipe Monster grooming machine. The Super Pipe is over 350 ft in length and 55 ft in width with 18 ft walls.

The competition will feature a radio personality from Alaska Integrated Media’s Anchorage radio station KZND (94.7) and entertainment from DJ Cross. Spectators will be able to watch the athletes compete from the event tent area and stay warm around the bonfire. There will be an outdoor bar for those 21 and over. The awards ceremony will immediately follow the competition and be held at the event tent.

Registration forms are available online and completed forms can be dropped off at the Alyeska Resort Tram Ticket Office until 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 29. Parental signature is required for contestants 13 to 17 years in age and helmets are required for all Alyeska Resort competitions. The competition is open to skiers and riders and the entry fee is $25 per person. The cost of a lift ticket is not included in the entry fee.

Call 754‐2275 for more detailed registration information.