My oldest grandson, Conor, placed 3rd in the Mad River vertical challenge yesterday, men's open Division. He is 13, about 5 ft. and 100 lbs. The event consists of as many top to bottom runs on the single as you can do in one day, 7 hrs. opening to closing. It is 2037 feet vertical for each run. Everyone uses Chute followed by liftline. Chute is as steep and mean a bump run as exists in the east, Liftline is lower angle but has 3 cliff bands. Conor did 27 runs. The winner did 28. 2nd also did 27 but finished his last one seconds before Conor. Both 1 & 2 were 20 something rad dudes. Conor hasn't even gotten his growth yet. I think we have seen the future.

Wow, having seen these runs for the first time last week, I am impressed. Mad River produces some fine skiers. You can't help but get good. The terrain demands it of you.

Pretty cool -- I think we need to get that kid out to Alta sometime.