Snatch Goblins Take First at Keystone’s Big Mountain Battle
OutdoorHub 02.01.12
Snatch Goblins’ Max Stanley and Chris Hinkley scored first place at Keystone Ski Resort’s Big Mountain Battle by a mere two seconds.
The pair crossed the finish line at 2:26:02 hours, barely beating out Sergeant Hulka’s Brian Andzejewicz and Phil Tuttle who took second place with a time of 2:26:04. Gnar Gnar’s Eric Lundeen and Cliff Rosell nailed third place with a time of 2:35:34.
Team Snatch Goblins won $2,000 worth of Helly Hansen gear and free entry to the final Battle in the Bowls in Aspen/Snowmass on March 27.
Helly Hansen’s Big Mountain Battle is a unique event that challenges two-person teams to an exploratory big-mountain course, consisting of designated runs, lift rides, one to two hikes, and hidden checkpoints. This season, each mountain’s ski patrollers will set the course, as well as the time to beat.
All teams were tracked using FLAIK GPS, a unique tracking device that provides race officials with real-time data, including ascents and descents, on each competitor.
“Keystone always brings out an amazing group of competitors, who fight hard for the top spot of the Big Mountain Battle,” said Marc Campbell, the organizer behind Helly Hansen’s Big Mountain Battle. “We had amazing snow conditions and a bluebird day. We can’t wait to get back to Keystone next year to work with this great crew again!”
The final competition, Battle in the Bowls at Aspen/Snowmass, will take place March 25. But before that final showdown can occur, the Big Mountain Battle will make stops at Taos, Feb. 4; Fernie, Feb. 11; Squaw Valley, Feb. 25; Stevens Pass, Mar. 11; Killington, Mar. 17; Kicking Horse, Mar. 24; and Park City, Mar. 24.
Cost for the event is $90 per team and includes two Helly Hansen LIFA® base layers valued at $45 each. For more info or to register online, please visit www.bigmountainbattle.com.
