Gladfelter Bump Run 2010

By Daniel Gibson for the Santa Fe New Mexican:

Ski Santa Fe will host the 22nd annual Jeff Gladfelter Memorial Bump Run. The event is named after a local photographer killed in a car crash. Gladfelter was known for the snow caves he used to build atop the slopes overlooking the ski area. He and friends would often spend the night in these shelters, chowing down on meals prepared over camp stoves, singing to the stars and otherwise enjoying themselves. On those nights when it snowed, come first light, they would emerge from their hole to get first tracks down the mountain - to the chagrin of the ski patrol and those who lined up early at the lift to get first crack at the virgin powder.

The competition will be held on Slalom, in view of the deck at Totemoff’s, with a start time of around noon. There will be live music, snow or shine. The run will feature a kicker in the middle, with a dozen or so turns into the air, and a dozen more to the finish - a short but intense sprint. Judging will be based on quality of the turns, the line skied and the quality of the jump. The event is open to alpine and tele skiers, and snowboarders. There are men’s and women’s divisions along with age divisions. In 2009, there were 80 competitors, nine under the age of 10. Registration runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Base Lodge. The cost is $20, plus a lift ticket - if you don’t have a pass -and includes a long sleeve T-shirt, while they last. The event is sponsored by Ski Santa Fe and Hutton Broadcasting Company.