It’s good to be a king or a queen – especially when the title is earned during the most innovative race ever held at Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Mike Aldridge, of Welches, and Alexandra Loren, of Portland, took the crowns at the inaugural
event.
“I love Skibowl and I try to ride here every day,” Aldridge said. “It’s my
favorite place to ride and hands down the best terrain and the best park crew
who throw it down every day.”

Aldridge is also a summer chef at High Cascade Ski Club. He captured the king
title on a snowboard.

Queen Alexandra competed on skis and echoed her enthusiasm for the unique
race.

“The course was super fun, especially the gnar-gnar at the top speed section,”
she said. “The course was clean and solid with really good features.”

The race was held April 9 and the all-encompassing competition featured
speed, gates, rails, jumps and freestyle terrain in a 1,500 vertical foot course
that started at Skibowl Peak and ended in the base area.

“We created a race for experienced boarders and skiers to demonstrate their
all-mountain skills and earn the title of King and Queen of the Mountain,” said
owner-operator Kirk Hanna. “The variety of riding involved made the course
extremely challenging and fun for competitors.”

Thirteen riders and skiers stepped up to the challenge and they were judged
in the freestyle, jump line and rail park, timed from the top through the gates,
and awarded points that equaled their miles-per-hour pace in the speed trap.

Hans Wipper, Skibowl operations manager, supervised the race, with Skibowl
employees serving as course crew and judges.

“Our entire staff got behind this event and we are thrilled with its success,”
Wipper said. “Based on the feedback we have received, the King and Queen of
the Mountain race will grow into a major competition at Skibowl each spring.”

After the competition, competitors and spectators enjoyed local favorite band
Rebel Strings that played in the outdoor beer garden.