Header image: Ben Smith throwing down and taking the win.

Credit: Laura Obermeyer

Beers and massive jumps historically go very well together, and 10 Barrel's Hella Big Air is no exception to this combo. An event typically hosted by Mt. Bachelor, the contest has now become accessible to the Rocky Mountain population with an additional stop at Copper.

In typical Colorado high country fashion, bluebird skies and copious amounts of sunshine made the conditions promising, despite the threats of predicted high winds. Qualifiers went down in the morning, and gauging speed presented difficulties to some riders, with Parker Norvell taking a pretty heavy slam on the knuckle and a few riders opting out of the contest all together.

8 out of the 12 skiers made it onto finals, which were held later in the afternoon after the speed had slowed significantly. This caused some trouble for most of the competitors, but with a $10,000 prize for first place on the line, most of them brushed it off and absolutely sent it.

Highlights:

Chase Mohrman stuck a clean switch left dub 9 in his first run

Mike Cappola brought out some serious style with a rodeo 12 and a dub flat 7

Kellan Baker with a rodeo 9, switch left 7, and a switch cork 10

Ben Smith hucked a clean dub 12 mute, switch left misty 9 and 10

Derek Simpson laid down right cork 10, and a right cork 9 locking in the tail grab

Final results:

1st: Ben Smith

2nd: Mike Cappola

3rd: Derek Simpson

Big thanks to 10 Barrel for putting on such a rad event!