The Red Bull Air Force will kick off this highly anticipated weekend on Friday, March 23 as notable athletes like Charles Bryan, JT Holmes and Tim Dutton skydive into The Village at Squaw Valley on Friday afternoon. From there, the party picks up at Rocker@Squaw with a DJ, food and drink specials and poster signings with PMS competitors.

Saturday’s on-mountain antics promise excitement and entertainment for all as some of the World’s top winter athletes hang up their precision-tuned skis and snowboards to compete in true McConkey style – on snowlerblades!

The throw down will kick off Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m. as the athletes line up atop the legendary KT-22 chairlift for an all-out snowblade banzai. The pros will take on 30 of McConkey’s biggest fans in an anything-goes battle to the finish on Squaw’s GS Bowl, named for the original 1960 Olympic Giant Slalom course.

Later, the crowds will gather for the Extreme Snowlerblade Small Mountain Invitational where a select group of 30 athletes will negotiate Squaw Valley’s legendary terrain on K2 Fatty snowblades. Cheer on pros like Daron Rahlves, Scott and Robb Gaffney and Jeremy Jones as they jockey for the podium. All eyes will be on last year’s overall winner and Golden Saucer recipient, Cody Townsend.

This year’s event will feature an Envirolution Trashion Show followed by the PMS Costume Contest on Squaw’s newly remodeled KT Base Bar Sun Deck. This contest is open to the public with great prizes awarded for “best” dressed. Awards will follow directly.

The day will end with a rockin’ 80’s after party at Squaw’s Olympic Village Lodge. Guests must be 21 or older to attend with valid ID required. Tickets are available for purchase at www.shanemcconkey.org or at Porters and Le Chamois.

The Shane McConkey Foundation encourages skiers, riders and resorts around the world to celebrate the spirit of McConkey during this weekend. “The best way to keep Shane's legacy alive is to remember to laugh at yourself and live life to the fullest,” says Sherry McConkey. “Even if you can’t be here on March 23-24, you should still do something outrageous and fun to honor this amazing man.”

The event was dubbed after one of Shane’s funny alter egos, Pain McShlonkey, however, there is no questioning McConkey’s true character. “One thing about Shane is that what you saw is what he was: a man full of stoke, passion, ingenuity, humor and a zest for making your moments on this earth count,” says longtime friend Scott Gaffney. “Shane loved to laugh, play, compete against and make fun of friends and make fun of himself. The Pain McShlonkey Classic is a perfect amalgam of all of these elements that were so important to a guy who inspired us to no end.”

Proceeds from the weekend will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation along with environmental education programs.

For event details, registration information, after party tickets or to make a donation to the Shane McConkey Foundation, visit www.shanemcconkey.org.

Times and venues are subject to change pending weather.


About Squaw Valley
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is internationally renowned for legendary terrain that spans 3,600 skiable acres, six peaks and 30 chairlifts, and ranges from an expansive mountaintop beginner area to unrivaled expert steeps, trees and bowls. Off the mountain, families relax in The Village at Squaw Valley around the cozy fire pits or enjoy a host of restaurants, bars, boutiques and art galleries. Guests can stay in one of The Village at Squaw Valley’s one, two or three bedroom suites, each with a fireplace, kitchen and balcony, for the ultimate slopeside lodging experience.