Area Residents Win Big at Sipapu's Cardboard Derby
March 23, 2010 - Vadito, NM: Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, New Mexico’s year-round destination for family-friendly, family fun, awarded several area residents and guests from neighboring states for their performance during the 7th annual Cardboard Derby on Saturday.
The annual event, offered free to Sipapu guests, drew huge crowds and 72 riders.
Participants in four categories (adult single, adult team, junior single and junior team) build derbies using cardboard, duct tape, twine or string and paint only. On Saturday, they rode their vessels down the mountain and aimed to hit a target located in the base area. The objective is to successfully negotiate and complete the course with the vessel and all team members intact.
Judges named Adam and Drew Johnson of Dallas, Tex.; Jason and Ethan Lake of Amalia and Evan Pierce of Taos and their derby the event's "most creative derby," and the team won the grand prize: a free night of lodging at El Monte Sagrado of Taos. The team’s vessel was entitled “Miss Sipapu.”
Chris Flaherty of Ojo Sarco won first place in the adult single division. His vessel was entitled “Totally Duct.”
Mike Flaherty of Ranchos de Taos, Chris Flaherty of Ojo Sarco, and John Flaherty of Taos won first place in the adult team division. Their vessel was entitled “Frail Runner.”
Eric Stone of Penasco won first place in the child single division. His vessel was entitled “Picuris Pichachu.”
Morgan Smith and Sabine James of Austin, Tex., won first place in the child team division. Their vessel was entitled “TI Getaway.”
Awards were also presented in creative categories, including Furthest from the Target, Best Crash, Most Colorful Vessel and Silliest Named Vessel.
“This event continues to get bigger every year,” said John Paul Bradley, Sipapu’s general manager. “The weather was gorgeous, the derbies were incredible and – at the end of the day – the skiing was fantastic. It was a great day for everyone.”
The spring skiing conditions at Sipapu have been the best in over a decade, Bradley added.
Over $1,500 in prizes, courtesy of event sponsors, were awarded. Event sponsors included El Monte Sagrado, Buffalo Thunder Resort, Taos Inn, Super 8, Adobe Propane, Trading Post, People’s Bank of Taos, Applebee’s, Pizanos, Adventure Ski Shop, Twirl, Ogilvie’s, Cottam’s Ski Shop, Randall Lumber, Wal-Mart, Baskin Robbins, Santa Fe Mountain Works, Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works, Adventure Ski Shop and KTAOS.
With spring season underway, Sipapu has discounted lift tickets up to 70 percent off: lift tickets are now just $25 for adults and teens, and $10 for kids and seniors. Fourth graders, kids ages six and younger, guests who are 40 years old, and seniors 70 or better ski and ride free everyday at Sipapu.
March 28 marks the end of daily operations for Sipapu. Starting April 3, Sipapu will resume regular lift operations during weekends (weather and conditions permitting – visitors are encouraged to check www.SipapuNM.com for the latest updates). Closing date is tentatively set for April 11.
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort entered the 2009-2010 ski season as the fastest growing resort in New Mexico, yet visitors still won’t wait in line for a lift. For complete information about the Sipapu, visit www.SipapuNM.com.
Media Contact
Stacey Glaser, Marketing Director
(505) 414-1550 Stacey@SipapuNM.com
About Sipapu
Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mexico’s fastest growing ski resort. Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos and two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu offers family-friendly, family fun to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Family-owned and operated since 1952, Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest ski season and the best deals in the Rockies. The resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest, and features over 40 trails, four lifts and two terrain parks. On-site amenities include slope-side lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and gourmet home cooking at the Riverside Café.
The annual event, offered free to Sipapu guests, drew huge crowds and 72 riders.
