Blog from the Scene
Jan 29 2007 / Aspen, COUp to minute party coverage, right from the inside.
January 28, 2007. The morning after (you don't want to know what time we are rolling out of bed!)
So many parties, so little time.
The streets of Aspen were overflowing Saturday night with tens of thousands of X Games partygoers looking for the next big thing but finding nothing but long lines and oversold shows. Every bar, restaurant and club was packed to capacity with hoards of people spilling down the street and around every corner. There was an hour-long wait getting into Eric’s bar and there was a bouncer at New York Pizza.
On the VIP side of things, there was so much going on it was one of those divide-and-conquer scenarios—no way one person could make it every party. I got to go to The Powder Awards which I was very happy about because I love skiers. After working at Transworld Snowboarding magazine and dealing with punk ass snowboard boys who are all like two feet tall, I became quite the ski groupie. I always said you can go from “pro” to “ho” overnight if you’re not careful, and was pretty strict about not hooking up with pro snowboarders, but I’m all about pro skiers. They’re taller, cuter, and let’s face it: skiing is a lot harder than snowboarding. It just is.
Speaking of cute skiers, I ran into Johnny Mosely doing tequila shots at the bar. I actually spent the night in his bed once but unfortunately, he wasn’t there. I knew his roommate in LA and had crashed there after the Surfer Poll Awards one year and had no idea where I was when I woke up. I found myself in this huge bed with a mattress so thick you practically needed a ladder to get in and out of it. There on the nightstand was a plane ticket receipt from LAX to Valdez, Alaska with his name on it. I think he stumbled home shortly after we left for breakfast. I always wonder what would have happened if he would have come home and found me there … anyway, he thought the story was pretty funny. Sorry ladies, he’s off the market now but still always friendly, smiling and surrounded by chicks.
The scene was pretty much the Academy Awards of ski film and photography with lots of awards and an elaborate video presentation in the decadent ballroom of the Hotel Jerome, the kind of place where the curtains are made of velvet and there is wall-to-wall carpeting in every room. The who’s who of pro skiing was there. Peter Olenick shaved his moustache and Seth Morrison pounded drinks at the podium every time he accepted his award (he won the Reader Poll Award and Best Air, natural), setting the “let’s get as drunk as possible” tone of the evening.
That’s probably why there was a cash bar, much to the disappointment of everyone there. You had to buy these stupid little drink tickets and all’s they had was PBR and Red Bull vodka. “What is this, the country fair?” noted injured skier cross racer and former X Games gold medalist Reggie Crist. “Are they going to have a pig roast after this or what?” My sentiments exactly.
I had a chance to catch up with Corey Gavitt and Dirk Collins from Teton Gravity Research who are still out there in big mountains killing it every year and always going bigger, pushing it harder, and taking TGR and all the athletes they work with to new heights. I spent one season traveling with them when I was writing for the ski mags, and I put it to C.G. this way: “I had the time of my life and was just thankful I didn’t end up pregnant and in a wheelchair.” One season was enough for me, but I’m proud of them for still getting after it, especially now that they have wives and babies. Kisses to all the boys up in Jackson!
From there, I did a quick lap around town to check out the Common Ground concert at the base of Aspen Mountain and just scoped out the scene which was virtually impossible with the crowds.
So I headed up to the Target House at Aspen Highlands where Shaun White was chilling out in this ridiculously huge mansion on the slopes sipping vodka drinks that had blinking lights in them with the likes Gretchen Bleiler and other big name pros who shuffled around in big white fluffy slippers courtesy of Target. There was a chocolate fountain with all kinds of goodies for dipping and huge jars of candy, which kind of made it feel like a sleepover party for fifth graders, but whatever. The party was rocking until 4 a.m., according to reports.
Back in town, the Monster party held at the top of Aspen Mountain ended up moving to the Monster House, and apparently it was also raging at the Smith House and the Vitamin Water house. If you have no idea what that means, well, neither do I.
All I do know is it’s time for me to go on the wagon.
For more from Aspen Times columnist Alison Berkley, a.k.a. “The Aspen Princess,” check out her blog at www.alisonberkley.com.
January 27, 2007. 12:30PM
If ever there was a night of non-stop parties at the X Games it was tonight. We started the night off with a private party at the Oakley mansion, a swanky Aspen mega-pad complete with pool table in the basement and dead animals all over the walls. Sushi was on the menu and the Oakley pros were hanging everywhere, getting themselves stoked and ready for a big night. Dinner was just a warm up.
By 8:30 we were out the door and headed to the Powder magazine awards in the hotel Jerome. Everyone from gold medalist Jonny Moseley to X Games rockstar Tanner Hall were mingling in a packed house. The event is one of the more prestigious in the ski world and the Powder party always proves to be a good one. The only bummer, no free drinks. Oh well, magazines are struggling these days so we forgive them. I slipped into a comfy plush seat with the Red bull crew though and promptly ordered up a RB Vodka to get my night really started.
The awards ceremony offered up some amazing footage and was a good time, but we were on a strict schedule. Next stop would be the Target palace. While Brooke Geery and Adryan Ritter hit up the Monster party (which was apparently off the hook), we headed back toward Highlands. Upon entering the target house we were handed a pair of plush white target logo'd slippers (what a relief to slip off my high heels!) and a fancy glowing drink from Smart Water. Seems like this was definitely the year of the flavored beverages. Mountain Dew is no longer the only one cashing in on EXTREME. Red Bull, the ruler of the RB Vodka night scene seems to be getting pushed aside for Smart water "tinis" which consisted of things like dragonfruit water and vodka. Monster was pulling the Monster and some booze or another drinks and then last week I was at a Jones Soda and vodka party at X-Dance. Red Bull of course will continue to be a party favorite, but it was interesting and somewhat appropriate to see all of the competition sprouting up at the X Games.
The Target house offered up Shaun White jamming with a few friends in a band room, pool, nerf gun wars and a chocolate fondue fountain. I thought the chocolate would jack me up enough to get me out on the town late but I lamed out by midnight. Adryan and Cody rocked the late night squad so stay tuned for their all-star late night updates and party galleries!
--Shanti Sosienski
January 28, 2007. The morning after (you don't want to know what time we are rolling out of bed!)
So many parties, so little time.
The streets of Aspen were overflowing Saturday night with tens of thousands of X Games partygoers looking for the next big thing but finding nothing but long lines and oversold shows. Every bar, restaurant and club was packed to capacity with hoards of people spilling down the street and around every corner. There was an hour-long wait getting into Eric’s bar and there was a bouncer at New York Pizza.
On the VIP side of things, there was so much going on it was one of those divide-and-conquer scenarios—no way one person could make it every party. I got to go to The Powder Awards which I was very happy about because I love skiers. After working at Transworld Snowboarding magazine and dealing with punk ass snowboard boys who are all like two feet tall, I became quite the ski groupie. I always said you can go from “pro” to “ho” overnight if you’re not careful, and was pretty strict about not hooking up with pro snowboarders, but I’m all about pro skiers. They’re taller, cuter, and let’s face it: skiing is a lot harder than snowboarding. It just is.
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Speaking of cute skiers, I ran into Johnny Mosely doing tequila shots at the bar. I actually spent the night in his bed once but unfortunately, he wasn’t there. I knew his roommate in LA and had crashed there after the Surfer Poll Awards one year and had no idea where I was when I woke up. I found myself in this huge bed with a mattress so thick you practically needed a ladder to get in and out of it. There on the nightstand was a plane ticket receipt from LAX to Valdez, Alaska with his name on it. I think he stumbled home shortly after we left for breakfast. I always wonder what would have happened if he would have come home and found me there … anyway, he thought the story was pretty funny. Sorry ladies, he’s off the market now but still always friendly, smiling and surrounded by chicks.
The scene was pretty much the Academy Awards of ski film and photography with lots of awards and an elaborate video presentation in the decadent ballroom of the Hotel Jerome, the kind of place where the curtains are made of velvet and there is wall-to-wall carpeting in every room. The who’s who of pro skiing was there. Peter Olenick shaved his moustache and Seth Morrison pounded drinks at the podium every time he accepted his award (he won the Reader Poll Award and Best Air, natural), setting the “let’s get as drunk as possible” tone of the evening.
That’s probably why there was a cash bar, much to the disappointment of everyone there. You had to buy these stupid little drink tickets and all’s they had was PBR and Red Bull vodka. “What is this, the country fair?” noted injured skier cross racer and former X Games gold medalist Reggie Crist. “Are they going to have a pig roast after this or what?” My sentiments exactly.
I had a chance to catch up with Corey Gavitt and Dirk Collins from Teton Gravity Research who are still out there in big mountains killing it every year and always going bigger, pushing it harder, and taking TGR and all the athletes they work with to new heights. I spent one season traveling with them when I was writing for the ski mags, and I put it to C.G. this way: “I had the time of my life and was just thankful I didn’t end up pregnant and in a wheelchair.” One season was enough for me, but I’m proud of them for still getting after it, especially now that they have wives and babies. Kisses to all the boys up in Jackson!
From there, I did a quick lap around town to check out the Common Ground concert at the base of Aspen Mountain and just scoped out the scene which was virtually impossible with the crowds.
So I headed up to the Target House at Aspen Highlands where Shaun White was chilling out in this ridiculously huge mansion on the slopes sipping vodka drinks that had blinking lights in them with the likes Gretchen Bleiler and other big name pros who shuffled around in big white fluffy slippers courtesy of Target. There was a chocolate fountain with all kinds of goodies for dipping and huge jars of candy, which kind of made it feel like a sleepover party for fifth graders, but whatever. The party was rocking until 4 a.m., according to reports.
Back in town, the Monster party held at the top of Aspen Mountain ended up moving to the Monster House, and apparently it was also raging at the Smith House and the Vitamin Water house. If you have no idea what that means, well, neither do I.
All I do know is it’s time for me to go on the wagon.
For more from Aspen Times columnist Alison Berkley, a.k.a. “The Aspen Princess,” check out her blog at www.alisonberkley.com.
January 27, 2007. 12:30PM
If ever there was a night of non-stop parties at the X Games it was tonight. We started the night off with a private party at the Oakley mansion, a swanky Aspen mega-pad complete with pool table in the basement and dead animals all over the walls. Sushi was on the menu and the Oakley pros were hanging everywhere, getting themselves stoked and ready for a big night. Dinner was just a warm up.
By 8:30 we were out the door and headed to the Powder magazine awards in the hotel Jerome. Everyone from gold medalist Jonny Moseley to X Games rockstar Tanner Hall were mingling in a packed house. The event is one of the more prestigious in the ski world and the Powder party always proves to be a good one. The only bummer, no free drinks. Oh well, magazines are struggling these days so we forgive them. I slipped into a comfy plush seat with the Red bull crew though and promptly ordered up a RB Vodka to get my night really started. The awards ceremony offered up some amazing footage and was a good time, but we were on a strict schedule. Next stop would be the Target palace. While Brooke Geery and Adryan Ritter hit up the Monster party (which was apparently off the hook), we headed back toward Highlands. Upon entering the target house we were handed a pair of plush white target logo'd slippers (what a relief to slip off my high heels!) and a fancy glowing drink from Smart Water. Seems like this was definitely the year of the flavored beverages. Mountain Dew is no longer the only one cashing in on EXTREME. Red Bull, the ruler of the RB Vodka night scene seems to be getting pushed aside for Smart water "tinis" which consisted of things like dragonfruit water and vodka. Monster was pulling the Monster and some booze or another drinks and then last week I was at a Jones Soda and vodka party at X-Dance. Red Bull of course will continue to be a party favorite, but it was interesting and somewhat appropriate to see all of the competition sprouting up at the X Games.
The Target house offered up Shaun White jamming with a few friends in a band room, pool, nerf gun wars and a chocolate fondue fountain. I thought the chocolate would jack me up enough to get me out on the town late but I lamed out by midnight. Adryan and Cody rocked the late night squad so stay tuned for their all-star late night updates and party galleries!
--Shanti Sosienski
January 27, 2007. 11:40pm
I just got back from the highly-hyped Monster party. Let me start by saying, this beverage sponsor thing has gotten out of control. If you've been watching on TV, you may have noticed when nearly everyone finishes their runs, they immediately start pounding their energy drink of choice. I'll let you in on a secret, they get paid to do this. But you know what, that's ok. Because if companies like Monster and Rockstar have enough money to pay athletes to hold a can of their beverage at the end of their runs, they also have enough money to throw insane parties.
The Monster party was definitely the event of choice tonight. There was plenty going on: the Powder Awards, the Oakley Media Party, the Target Party, but all day everyone was talking about was this one. On top of being exclusive, it featured performances from Paul Wall and Slick Rick. Yeah, the Slick Rick. It also had scantily clad models and free drinks. Oh yeah, and it was at the top of Aspen Mountain, a 15 minute gondola ride from downtown. Blankets were provided for the cold rides up and down, and well, we were taken care of. I may not be into parties, but I definitely feel like I would have missed out if I didn't show up for this one. So yeah, I'm glad I did, but now I am going to bed!
--Brooke Geery
Ouch, my head hurts.
It’s the morning after, as they say, and my ears are still ringing from “Hell’s Belles,” an all-female AC/DC cover band that packed the Belly Up Aspen for a sold out show last night as part of a Boarding for Breast Cancer benefit party. What I want to know is: who came up with the bright idea for a bunch of chicks from Seattle to start a heavy metal cover band? Were they all just sitting around someone’s basement smoking funny stuff and messing around on electric guitars when one of them jumped up and screamed, “I know! Let’s play AC/DC cover tunes and nothing else! That’ll be awesome!”
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I don’t even like AC/DC, but I gotta say these women tore it up—like, literally. The lead guitarist, dressed in her best schoolgirl outfit a la Britney Spears in the early days (we’re talking plaid skirt, Oxford and necktie) tore off her shirt a quarter of the way into the first set and proceeded to play the rest of the show in a black lace bra. Let me tell you it was a good look with the plaid wool skirt and the tube socks and the long natty dreads that further accentuated her incessant head banging. She was rocking it so hard that her guitar strap kept breaking, hello. The crowd loved every minute of it with standing room only on the dance floor. Of course there was that one super drunk guy who wanted to turn the thing into a mosh pit and was spinning around and banging into everyone. Much effort had to be put toward pushing the guy off me repeatedly before he knocked me over to a certain death of being trampled by Hell’s Belle’s fans.
It’s always so good to see Lisa Hudson, who basically started Boarding for Breast Cancer like a million years ago. She’s one of the Queen Bees of the action spots industry and has been around forever. What amazes me is that she never changes, ages, or slows down. A true California girl, she’s still up for a good party. It’s also good to see BBC is still thriving and doing so much to raise money and awareness for breast cancer at unlikely places like the X Games.
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The same is true of Circe Wallace, who is now the Senior Vice President of WMG Management, a talent agency that represents athletes. This girl is the real rags to riches story, a punk ass kid from Seattle who became a pro snowboarder and then struck it rich when Ride Snowboards went public in the mid-‘90s and her stock went through the roof. She had a baby and built a fat house in Cardiff and I can say that because I have actually been there. These days she more So Cal glamour girl than alternative snowboarder chick, and is as big of a label whore as I am. I found her at the bar, where we spent at least ten minutes talking about this Chanel one piece ski outfit she wants and how bummed we are that the French boutique is no longer in Aspen. I really should take her shopping, except I don’t have the money and she does, although spending more than you got is what living in Aspen is all about.
In other party news, the Red Bull Illume exhibit is hands down one of the most impressive and sophisticated events I’ve ever seen come out of the action sports industry. It’s basically this huge photo exhibit that’s set up about 500 feet upslope on the Little Nell run on Aspen Mountain.
They really took the whole “illume” theme and ran with it. You walk up a series of illuminated stairs that have been set up right in the snow so the approach in of itself is pretty dramatic. The photos are displayed in these huge illuminated light boxes that are set up in rows with walkways cut into the snow which are also—you guessed it—illuminated.
It’s an impressive venue, with the lights of Aspen sparkling below and the moon casting a glow onto the snow. It’s so well done that you almost feel like you’re in this huge outdoor gallery or museum. The photos are insane—not just in terms of the athleticism they display, but the composition is definitely more artistic and aesthetic than what we’re used to seeing on the pages of our favorite action sports rags. (God, I almost sound like I know what I’m talking about). Anyway, kudos to Red Bull for a job well done and bringing some serious substance and class to the X Games.
Red Bull set up a pretty swanky little tent up there where special people who have badges can chill on big white couches, watch the X Games on one of several flat screen TVs, drink free booze and snack on proscitto and gourmet cheese.
That’s where I caught up with Steve Fischer, the pro kayaker from South Africa who has been touted the best paddler in the world for his ability to take his boat into places most people thought unrideable. He’s big into standing waves and first descents, but what’s really interesting about him is he bought an island in Uganda. (Yep, you heard me right.) He flew all the way here from Africa because his girlfriend had a photo in the exhibit. I mean, how ridiculously sweet is that? Someone please, tell me, why are all the good ones taken?
So I’ve got about six hours to recover until the party train rolls through again tonight—I’m just not sure where it’ll stop.
Stay tuned for more party coverage from Alison Berkley, whose column, “The Princess’s Palate” runs every Thursday in The Aspen Times. Email the princess at alison@berkleymedia.com.
