The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“It’s my time to pay back”
[ by Than Acuff ]
Crested Butte’s own Aaron Blunck is taking some time between halfpipe competitions to return home for the holidays and host an Après Ski double feature film showing and fundraiser at the Elevation Hotel and Spa on Friday, December 23 from 4-7 p.m. hosted by Epic Western Cocktails. Proceeds from the event will benefit Living Journeys and the Crested Butte Avalanche Center.
Blunck grew up in Crested Butte before hitting the road following his path of being a professional halfpipe skier. Over the course of his ongoing career, Blunck has racked up X Games gold, a FIS freestyle World Champion title and three trips to the Winter Olympic games in halfpipe skiing.
He is back at it again starting with the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain December 15-17 and following that event, Blunck is coming to visit his hometown.
“At the end of the day, I just want to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” says Blunck. “It’s my time to pay back.”
To do that, Blunck is hosting two movies at the Elevation Hotel, the premiere of The Bulldog and a showing of Feel Real by Blank Collective Films.
The Bulldog is a film collaboration with his sponsor Head skis focused on Blunck, but from a different perspective.
“It’s not just an interview with me but more from the perspective of my wife Morgan,” says Blunck.
The second film of the night will be Blank Collective’s Feel Real.
“That one is more ‘ski porn’,” says Blunck.
In addition to the double feature, Blunck will be hanging out before and after to connect with friends and families in the community, signing posters (so bring the kids), and a there will be a raffle and silent auction for all attendees. The event at the Elevation Hotel is from 4-7 p.m. followed by an after party at the Talk of the Town from 8-11 p.m.
Ultimately, Blunck just saw this as a great chance to get home and help out a couple of local non-profits.
“This isn’t about making any money, this is all about raising money for Living Journeys and the Crested Butte Avalanche Center,” says Blunck. “I’m hoping it’s going to be the party of the holidays.”
