The superpipe perched just above 7000 feet on the slopes of Sierra at Tahoe was feeling the effects of intense heat and bright light as the third and final stop of the Vans Triple Crown rolled through town. The sun has been out (in full force) for days, if not weeks, and in that time, the balmy temps have shaven several inches off the height of the walls. Another day meant less vert, so riders hit the season's last Triple Crown pipe a day early (Saturday rather than Sunday), and they didn't seem to mind the short notice.

Kelly Clark set everyone in their place when the women dropped in for their final runs. Kelly soared a huge frontside air off the first hit and uncorked a McTwist that left the guys drooling during her second final run and that sealed 1st for her. While Kelly had the most oomph behind each hit, Tricia Byrnes was technical and consistent for 2nd and Doriane Vidal spun 5's for 3rd.

When the men lined up, Daniel Franck started swinging just as hard as usual and took 1st from a smaller, scrappier crew that included Gian Simmen and Therry Brunner, they took second and third respectively. Daniel set himself apart from the rest by boosting higher and clenching the edges of his board without really seeming to work for it.

By the time the event ended, the pipe really did resemble a trench. The Hawaiian shirt posse began launching slush balls at those perched in lawn chairs across the pipe and the fire continued from both sides. When everyone finally made peace, we all strutted across the Nevada/California border and into the Horizon Casino where suddenly, just by crossing a street, everything becomes legal and big mama belt buckles are hip.

	Gallery: Superpipe

The neon lights inside the money pit wove around the green felt gambling tables and led us to the door of Club Z, who hosted a hip hop ho down with DJ's, bands, dim lights, and cheap drinks. Two-dollar Long Islands set the vibe for the night and made the morning a sore sight, which is when the big air began...

Big Hair
Sunday brought the same sunny skies. The big air kicker wasn't the usual monstrosity and the landing was soft, but the slush sucked up the knees upon impact and nailed a few to the deck.

Dillon Candelaria caught an edge midway through practice and looked to be out cold. Ski patrol immobilized him and gave him some sort of breathing apparatus for the ride in the sled, but from behind the clear plastic mask that was covering his mouth, he managed a, "Mom - look at me now!" and a grin as he rode the stretcher towards the parking lot.

We're still not sure what his final diagnosis was but one thing was clear - these riders were pushing their personal limits, which led everyone to the charge, hoping to keep up and make a name of their own. Since the event was originally scheduled for early March, a few of the big names (Todd Richards, Barrett Christy) must have had other plans and didn't bother to show here at Sierra, so some determined locals and a heartier crowd showed.

Rotation ruled - a few 1080's spun in the second of three final runs but 1st place was shaken by a fresh face, whose name happens to be Jessie Burtner. Jim Rippey, Snow Summit's big air winner took 2nd with a switch backside nine and 3rd went to Steve Simmons.

When the big air ended and the final checks were awarded, Steve Van Doren decided he wasn't through just yet. He sealed the deal with two railslides and a Ford Truck at the base of the big air hit for a quick dose of jibbin' and bonkin'. During the 'espression session,' a Beta cam was nearly sacrificed and some spread smooth butter while others ate burnt toast. Some ground it while others biffed, but it was a high point to leave on.

Yet another season of the Vans Triple Crown of Snow has come and gone, and there's a lot of thanks to be given for all that was had during the 2001 season. Props to Vans for the parties, barbecues, and intense caffeine highs. Thank you Frank Wells for smooth transitions. Hell yeah to anyone who ever made any of that tasty food that kept us warm and sane. To everyone else who took the time, regardless of what it was�thanks - see you next time.


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