Young Guns Stop #1: Copper Mountain

The event ran as smooth as smooth can be… from checking in 116 competitors, to running five qualifier heats, a two run final and an injury free comp. To say the least, the competitors were stoked and did everything within their power to make the judging as difficult as possible. The skill level was high, the scores were tight and in the end the best man and woman rose to the top.

For the ladies, late entry Whitney Wickes stole the show with smooth 3’s, huge 5’s and tons of style in the rail section. For the men, Aspen local Matt Walker took the top prize with big cork 3’s, unnatural 5’s, cab 7’s and tons of steeze in the rail section.

With a few hundred people in attendance, the Burning Stone base area played host to a one of a kind award ceremony with all six winners receiving congratulations from founders, owners and team managers Mike Nick (Siver), Jason Levinthal (Line Skis), Jon Atencio (Scott USA) and Charlie Adams (Level Gloves). Also in attendance were pro riders Iannick B, Dash Longe and Austin Ramaley, who had a hand in the judging.

With an event as unique as the Young Gun Open, we made sure not to simply hand over the prizes to the winners… atop the podium, Whitney and Matt were “asked nicely” to do away with their old, unworthy gear and start rocking their new product from Siver, Line, Scott and Level right then and there. Quite happily they obliged.

Matt Walker made off with four contracts from Siver, Line, Scott and Level, a coaching job at Camp of Champions, a spot on the Young Gun team, which will compete in the 2006 Orage Masters, tons of product and a shot at the Young Gun contract which will be awarded to the over all winner at Stratton, VT on March 11.

Whitney took home tons of product, sponsor hook ups and a shot at filling the female spot on the Young Gun Masters team.



Photo: Young Guns Judges Mike Nick, Jonny A and Jason Levinthal hard at work.



Photo: Young Guns Winners Matt Walker and Whitney Wickes.
Credit: Jonny A



Photo: This massive truck driver helped secure 2nd place for Bobby Haupt.
Credit: Jonny A



Photo: Mike Nick and Chris O'Connell (newschoolers.com) hanging by Scott USA's new yoked out Sportsmobile.
Credit: Jonny A



Photo: Scott team manager Jonny A rolling to the next stop.
Credit: Chris "I'm so East Coast" Jerard

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