BY JEFFREY WEIDEL
This is not the typical ski competition. Even though its bias is showing a bit, Squaw Valley ski resort says come and “witness the greatest ski competition known to man or woman” – The Pain McShlonkey Classic (PMS), which returns to Squaw today (March 14).
Now in its fifth year, this action packed on-and-off mountain event serves as a hilarious tribute to legendary skier Shane McConkey where the winner is crowned fastest snowblader on the planet.
Celebrated for his playful spirit, the late McConkey was the mastermind behind the original Pain McShlonkey Open that debuted in 2003. The event began as a behind-the-scenes late-night race between competitors at the 1998 Winter X Games and in 2010 the event took on new shape, attracting top athletes from around the world.
A professional skier and BASE jumper, McConkey was born in Vancouver but eventually made his home in Squaw Valley, where he would challenge the mountain each winter with his daring antics that combined speed with great technical skiing.
Sadly, Shane McConkey died on March 26, 2009 while attempting to execute a ski-BASE jump in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. One of his skis failed to release, sending him into a spin and leading to his tragic death.
The Pain McShlonkey Classic is hosted by the Shane McConkey Foundation. The event has raised more than $186,000 for local nonprofits over the last four years.
“The mission is to celebrate the life of a man who revolutionized the ski industry and kept us on the edge of our seats with laughter – and in doing so we can support causes that Shane cared about,” said Sherry McConkey, who was married to Shane. “The idea is to remind people not to take themselves too seriously. Shane constantly laughed at himself and taught others to do the same and that’s part of his legacy that we want to celebrate.”
The event kicks off this morning as 30 of the World’s top winter athletes take on 30 amateurs in an anything-goes Hot Dog Downhill. Amateurs earn their spot in the lineup for this snowblade banzai by submitting an “Awkward Selfie” during an online contest.
Contenders include everyone from highly decorated Olympians like Daron Rahlves and big mountain skier Cody Townsend, to everyday Joe skiers and snowboarders. The winner will take home the coveted Pain McShlonkey Golden Saucer trophy.
“Snowblades even the playing field a little bit,” McConkey said. “The pros have the natural advantage, but we’re all rooting for the underdog. With a very ‘loose’ rulebook, anything can happen.”
Later in the morning, competitors will push their snowblade skills to the limits during the new Backwards Snowblade Slalom. This new addition is guaranteed to be a wildly hilarious crowd favorite.
Next up is the PMS Costume Contest held alongside a huge raffle on Squaw’s KT Base Bar Sun Deck. This contest is open to everyone with great prizes awarded for best dressed. Awards will follow directly.
After the on-mountain antics, transcend into the belly of the 1970’s New York nightlife scene at the Studio-themed Shane McConkey Legacy Gala, held at the Squaw Valley Conference Center.
Proceeds from the weekend will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Shane McConkey Eco-Challenge, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District’s environmental education programs and many more deserving charities.
For event details, registration information, Legacy Gala tickets or to make a donation to the Shane McConkey Foundation, visit www.shanemcconkey.org.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting his winter website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
