Tech Lines and Rock Drops Prevail on Day 1 at Red Bull Cold Rush

(Silverton, CO – March 5, 2012) – A day filled with unstable snow conditions forced competitors to rethink their lines after an early morning avalanche took out a third of the Big Mountain venue.  Following several safety runs to check snow stability, the rest of the snowpack was deemed skiable and the athletes were heli lifted to the top of the course.

On the Men’s side, some of the standouts included runs by Dane Tudor, Andy Mahre, Dave Treadway, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and Logan Pehota.  Tudor dropped into Pequeño launching a quick air off a rock, blasting through the Hourglass section of the course before launching a huge 20+ foot rock chute dubbed the Broom Closet.  Mahre also dropped into Pequeño lining up a super technical line threading multiple ledges and rock drops, then returned on his second run to do the entire line in the Grande switch.  As usual, Treadway didn’t hold anything back going full speed through the Scarface spine and cliff section, taking a hard skier’s right before launching into the Broom Closet rock chute.  Cattabriga-Alosa linked a line filled with double rock drops, chutes and multiple airs to impress the other competitors.  And young gun Pehota stuck rock hits, fast spine lines and a clean air through the Broom Closet to make his mark on the mountain.

On the Women’s side, Jackie Paaso went for redemption this year and didn’t hold anything back as she dropped into the Grande and headed straight to a 25+ foot cliff drop, while Michelle Parker also dropped into the Grande hitting multiple rock drops under Storm Peak along the way.

Tomorrow all the competitors head out to the aptly named Mandatory Air run to take part in the Slopestyle competition.  

About Red Bull Cold Rush:

Red Bull Cold Rush, a 3-day backcountry freeskiing competition, returns for a second year at its stateside home of Silverton Mountain in Colorado.  On March 5-8^th, a host of the world’s best athletes will compete for the title of best all-around skier.  The epitome of backcountry freestyle progression, the peer-judged competition consists of three different disciplines – Slopestyle, Big Mountain, and Cliffs.  The male and female competitor who best earns the respect of their fellow skiers at the conclusion of the event will be awarded the top spots.  Hosting the action will be one of the world’s foremost big mountain playgrounds, Silverton Mountain, North America’s highest and steepest ski area at 13,487’.  Situated in the remote southwestern corner of Colorado, Silverton has 1,800 acres of bowls, chutes, and cliffs all served up au naturel without a groomer in sight.  Red Bull Cold Rush features immense peaks and drool-worthy lines that force athletes to be creative and push the limits of the sport.  

To stay up-to-speed on all the latest Red Bull Cold Rush event info, go to www.redbullusa.com/coldrush. For fans in the U.S., tune-in March 24^th to Red Bull Cold Rush airing nationally on NBC at 1pm EST/10am PST.  The event airs as part of the new “Red Bull Signature Series”, the most progressive and innovative snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, ice cross downhill, skiing and BMX events, showcased on custom courses from the inspiration of the athletes themselves. For more information, visit www.redbullsignatureseries.com.