Skiers march up Independence Pass

ASPEN -The benefit Ski for the Pass, a tour/race up Independence Pass, was staged during a recent Sunday storm.

Nearly 50 hearty skiers battled the elements to ski from the winter gate on Highway 82 to the turnoff for Lincoln Creek Road, 7 kilometers up the pass.

Pierre Wille led the men’s field in 39 minutes, 54 seconds; Andre Wille was second.

Berit Daniels topped the women’s field in 42:35.

The event raised money for the Independence Pass Foundation and the tracks were set by the City of Aspen trail crew.

Foundation officials said the event would not have been possible without a host of volunteer effort, including Austin Weiss and his crew, Paul Perley and Bob Wade, of the Ute Mountaineer, Craig Ward, of Sotheby’s International Real Estate, Salomon Skis, Paradise Bakery, Mountain Roll-Offs and many others.