SOURCE: Challenge Aspen

01.17.2007
Challenge Aspen, Aspen Skiing Company and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association welcomes the US Disabled Ski Team and disabled national ski teams from Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and Germany to Aspen this January for the prestigious 2007 I.P.C. Alpine World Cup. The exciting ski events will take place on Aspen Mountain on January 17 through January 21, hosting over 80 of the World’s best Disabled Athletes on their march to the World Cup Finals in Italy. Athletes will compete in two Super G’s, two Giant Slaloms and two Slaloms, all World Cup events sanctioned by the USSA, FIS and International Paralympic Committee.

Hosted by Aspen/Snowmass, the Aspen events will be organized by Challenge Aspen and Aspen Skiing Company’s Race Department, marking the season opener for the Disabled World Cup circuit and the race to award the best overall team in the world with the Nation’s Cup. Individual Globes will be given for Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. The 2007 Aspen World Cup races amount to an impressive six of the total 17 World Cup races on the circuit.

“Challenge Aspen is very excited to host the fastest disabled skiers in the world this January and show the town of Aspen how incredible they really are,” says Kevin Jardine, Director Of Skiing.

Kevin Jardine and Bryan Peterson, both of the Roaring Fork Valley, were Coaches for the US Paralympic Team and the US Disabled Alpine Team last season. Jardine and Peterson have been instrumental in securing the bid for the Disabled World Cup and are working on the Organizing Committee. Following the Aspen races, the World Cup racers will move on to British Columbia for three competitions and will then take a short training break. Five more races will run in early March in Abtenau, Austria, before the final three competitions at Arte Therme Zoncolan in Italy on March 14.

Aspen/Snowmass, considered one of the worlds top ski areas since the Aspen Skiing Corporation hosted its first FIS World Championships in 1950, has become an international hub of sport and culture. The picturesque ski resort was chosen to host this years event based upon the excitement and support of area residents during prior World Cup events. World Cup racing events have helped build Aspen/Snowmass’ reputation as one of the top ski resorts in the world.

Volunteers interested in working with the World Cup races are asked to contact Evan Zislis at Challenge Aspen at 970.923.0578 x 17 or evan@challengeaspen.com. ### About Challenge Aspen Since 1995, Challenge Aspen has provided adaptive recreational and cultural opportunities to thousands of disabled individuals from around the world. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Challenge Aspen is an internationally established charitable organization. As a leader and innovator offering participants’ safe, expert instruction and the best competitive ski-racing and educational programs available in the world, Challenge Aspen also provides outstanding summer therapeutic art and drama camps to children with physical and mental disabilities. In addition, Challenge Aspen creates adaptive wilderness experiences and provides elite race training for disabled veterans. Critical partnerships with sponsors like the R.H. Crossland Foundation and Aspen Ski Co. combined with the generous support of the Founders’ Circle, National Council members and annual fund raisers, provide the funding necessary for Challenge Aspen to empower all participants through its outdoor and cultural experiences, regardless of financial status. For more information visit www.challengeaspen.com.