In short – we were in a drinking competition. The real story though is what this event is all about and what it means to Jackson Hole: the people that live here and the people that have made the place what it is today.
Its an epic event, and there’s no way I can do it any justice in trying to explain in words what its all about. So here’s a quote from JK, a member of the Jackson Hole Air Force, the creators of the event.
(I also highly recommend you watch this you tube clip to have a better understanding about the Jackson Hole Airforce. Its an amazing story, one that really makes this place as great as it really is.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP61I7w_EPw
“In 1986, the skis were skinny and the snow was fat, and during a 14 foot storm, the infamous underground crew of the Jackson Hole Air Force was going stir crazy in the Bear Claw Café, waiting for the mountain to open. In those days the bar tender would send a freshly filled beer mug sliding down the bar to the patron who ordered it. One fateful night a beer mug slid off the end of the bar, took air, was caught seconds before a glass shattering catastrophe, and promptly pounded. Gelande Quaffing was born. Apres’ ski competitions followed, testing the unique skills of all who entered, and provided exciting entertainment for all spectators. But somewhere along the way gelande quaffing was lost and the après ski spirit forgotten.
Until now.
20 years later, the site of the original Bear Claw Café won’t let its voice be forgotten. On February 24th, the Village Cafe will host the 3nd Annual Gelande Quaffing World Championships, and the spirit of the past will live on again at the base of the mountain. This unprecedented event will host entrees from throughout the snowsports industry and remind the world of ski culture’s colorful past.”
Having witnessed this event last year, we knew what we were up for… Did we..?
We took things very seriously. Training sessions were definitely a huge benefit to the teams over performance.
Having to total of 7 people living and training together, it was inevitable that people would have to be cut from the team. We pulled together, found our self’s a coach and got to work.
Tuesday afternoon, the day before the event was the try-outs and team selection. After much deliberation, skill and endurance testing the top 4 members were chosen.
Sam Winstone, Nick Hooper, Watkin McLennan and Charlie Bettie made the team. Leaving myself, Andrew Lewisham and Don Lewisham as the support crew. Which proved to be equally as important as the actual team in the long run.
If you think this whole thing sounds like a joke…. You were wrong.
The team did a awesome job making the semi finals.
Enjoy the photos. I have tones of footage as well that I will be turning into a short movie. So stay tuned for that. But until then have a look at some of the past years events.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSUF79fmpbc Footage from 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiBWWPbYZjo Footage from 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9aHdE2Ns-U&feature=related Bootcamp…?
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