A turn for Gino
Dear Editor:I would like to congratulate Aspen Skiing Co. and the makers of the new Aspen/Snowmass movie, “Mountain Town”. With brilliant cinematography, an excellent array of characters and first-rate editing this movie really was outstanding.Throughout the movie, a rainbow of emotions touched the audience – from the exuberance and success of Gretchen Bleiler to the remarkable determination of lsabelle welding a niche for herself in a predominantly man’s world. Mac and his endless passion for our beloved Highlands mountain is delightfully portrayed. To have a small insight into the ‘life of Mac’ was a treat, and yet sadness was shared by all for the loss of his colleagues on that fateful day back in 1984. On a crisp blue-sky day as we carve our first turns in the Highland Bowl we will remember them.The amazing achievements of Chris Davenport continue to impress and inspire our community. His enduring commitment to big-mountain riding was superbly captured in this movie. To hear a star of the world of skiing tell us so eloquently that his love of the sport is as strong today as it ever has been was moving. Chris is a great ambassador not only for Aspen/Snowmass but also for every skier, telemarker and snowboarder out there. He makes us believe that anything can be done! Nick Devore’s incredible talent was breathtaking, with his big-line descents and seemingly effortless powder turns, and the teaming of Nick and Chris on the east Castle descent was awe-inspiring. This duo’s antics are enchanting!But it was one man that moved me to the extent that I had to write this letter: Gino. His insert in this movie was the most unforgettable for me. A master with a brush and a passion for painting women, he humored us all with his happy-go-lucky attitude to life. However, his poignant memories from his roots here in Aspen with the 10th Mountain Division humbled me. As I watched the excerpts of the men training in the mountains, followed by the footage of the war in Europe, a wave of gratitude swept across me. I understand that it is thanks to the 10th Mountain men that we are able to ski here today, and I know from my grandfather’s memoirs from both the wars in Europe, it was a living hell out there. The bravery, honor, courage and sacrifice of men like Gino should never be forgotten. As I watched the screen depicting life in this uniquely charming ski town that we adore so very much, I realized that it is because of men like Gino who fought for our freedom that I, and so many like me, are able to live here and be part of this heaven on earth we call Aspen. And I would like to say thank you to Gino and to the many men and women who fought and put their lives on the line for us.Gino, the first powder turns I take this season, I dedicate to you.Arabella BeaversAspen
