Snow makes a great cushion -- especially when snowmobilers land on it after doing backflips across a sixty-foot gap. That's one use of frozen water to expect at the FSX-Freestyle Snocross, which takes place inside the Denver Coliseum.
"This is a two-hour show with incredibly high energy," says FSX promoter Grant Reeves. "Seeing a 450-pound sled defy gravity makes it a cool event for families, first-timers or big motor-sports fans."
Fifteen riders, including such names as Chris Burandt and Brian Britt, compete for $10,000 by trying to out-trick other riders in multiple freestyle battles. Featured contests are the dueling duos, during which two riders compete on the course at the same time; the big-air competition; and the main event, in which hotshots are judged on their freestyle routines.
To make the battleground more realistic, 2,000 square yards of real Colorado snow will cover the floor of the venue. "It's a whole new world to watch snowmobiles jump on real snow indoors," says Reeves. "It's going to be an insane show."
The craziness starts tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 at the Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street. A special pit party gets rolling at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, where guests can meet with riders and check out their gear. General-admission tickets are $20 for adults, $8 for kids; another $5 covers the pit party. Tickets can be purchased at the door, at 303-830-TIXS, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For information on FSX, visit www.fsxworld.com. -- Richard Kellerhals
Never Stop Learning
REI wants you to be a better cross-country skier
THURS, 12/2
Like any sport, cross-county skiing requires coaching. The REI Ski Touring Essentials program explores topics ranging from proper clothing and gear to the activity's potential hazards.
"It's a relaxed setting where the presenter gets a feel for what exactly the audience is looking for," says Mark Guebert-Steward, events coordinator for REI. "Most of the discussions will be about getting deeper into the backcountry and different techniques to use once you're there."
Other subjects, such as touring centers, where cross-country skiers can enjoy the sport without going to the middle of nowhere, will also be highlighted. "This is a great opportunity for those interested in this sport to learn everything they would need to know about it," Guebert-Steward says.
The Essentials program starts tonight at 7 p.m. at three REI locations: 1416 Platte Street in Denver; 9637 East County Line Road in Englewood; and 4025 South College Avenue in Fort Collins. Admission is free; for more information, call 303-756-3100 or visit www.rei.com. -- Richard Kellerhals
