SnoFest proves popular, draws skiers from far, near

Published Jan. 29, 2007
By Steve Brady
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

KEYSTONE, Colo. -- Servicemembers stormed Keystone mountain Jan. 26 to 28 for the annual SnoFest weekend here.

An estimated 3,600 Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine servicemembers and their families descended on the mountain for a weekend of skiing, ice skating, dining and more during the annual military ski weekend.

"We try to provide great things for our Warrior Airmen, civilians and their families," said Kaye Grant, 10th Services Marketing director at the U.S. Air Force Academy and SnoFest chairperson. "It's all about ensuring them a great quality of life as they give service to our country."

The weekend is hosted by Peterson, Schriever, U.S. Air Force Academy, F.E. Warren, and Buckley Services squadrons, and Fort Carson Morale, Welfare and Recreation. The USAFA Services was the lead squadron this year.

Participants came from far and near including Whiteman, Eglin, Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases to name a few. Some were old hands at SnoFest, while others were first-timers.

"This was our first year," said Lt. Col. Matt Ruane, chief, Commercial and Fiscal Law, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Air Force Space Command.

"We attended the Mad Hatter party on Friday, and the Blues party and Italian buffet on Saturday - the kids danced until the last song," he said. "They were both great events - the Services staff and the Keystone employees made sure everyone had a good time." About 900 people attended each of the parties.

The first SnoFest was held in 1993 as a one-day event, and has since morphed into a three-day affair.

"The original purpose for SnoFest was to give our troops and their families an opportunity to experience Colorado skiing, winter fun, esprit de corps and family vacation at affordable prices," Ms. Grant said. "Skiing is an expensive sport no matter how you cut it, but SnoFest provides us with the best opportunity to give great discounts on lodging and lift tickets" through group rates.

Part of the activities included free winter-event racing for SnoFest participants. Teams competed Jan. 26, vying for the traveling Commander's Cup. The Peterson team took first place, and Col. Jay G. Santee, 21st Space Wing commander, accepted the trophy at the Blues party Jan. 27.

Despite the lack of fresh powder, skiers enjoyed blue sky and crisp, clean Rocky Mountain air.

"We skied, played in the snow with our children, and attended the Saturday evening buffet," said Tech. Sgt. Shelley Murray, a dental laboratory technician with the 21st Dental Squadron.

Sergeant Murray and her family have been attending SnoFest for three years.

"My oldest daughter attended ski school. Of course our favorite part is the skiing," she said, adding that she and her husband take turns skiing while the other watches their young children.

"We have a great time every year with friends and family," Sergeant Murray said. "It's a nice getaway and as always, lots to do."

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