Copper

Last night was the official opening of the USASA Nationals. It started with the parade of the different series, the national anthem (sung by one of the girls from the Appalachian Series), and a few awards.

Today the competitions started. One of the boys from Massanutten competed in slope style, did well and finished in the middle of the pack. Since it's his first year out here it's a good learning experience. Tomorrow he competes in bx, along with another guy from Massanutten.

I've spent time the last couple of days walking around, sitting outside people watching in the sun, and relaxing. They are having warmer than usual temperatures here, the sun is out, and it's great as long as you're not racing. The snow is very much East Coast type snow. Must remember the sunscreen!

The big thing that happened today is Whitney was fan-girl-ing! Amy Purdy was here during awards and spoke about being in USASA, losing her legs, getting back into snowboarding, and the adaptive snowboarding organization she's started which is based here at Copper. Then, even more exciting for Whitney, Alex Deibold was helping hand out medals tonight. We walked right past him as he was leaving. I didn't realize it soon enough and she didn't say anything, like ask for a picture. If she gets lucky, he'll be back another night like maybe the one she races.

Left - Appalachian Series at the parade
Top right - all the series gathering for opening
Bottom right - Alex Deibold in the white shirt