This year’s ‘Meeting’ kicked off with Aspen’s 5th Annual NEPSA video awards. The Wheeler Opera House sold out to an enthusiastic crowd consisting of Aspenites, pro athletes and industry types. With Red Bull/vodkas in a constant state of pouring downstairs at the Wheeler’s bar, audience members were more than energetic as they climbed the stairs and found their seats in the historic theatre. Whistles and cheers of anticipation filled the air as the lights dimmed and the video shorts began.

This year’s theme, Transition, lent itself to a variety of interpretations by the participants, as each video highlighted the winter (and summer) pursuits of skiers and snowboarders across the world. Whittled down from 13 original submissions, the top ten videos were introduced by the evening’s hosts, Luke Van Valin and Travis McLain, whose witty (sometimes painfully witty) banter continued throughout the night.

Luckily for the audience, the videos never ceased to entertain and impress. From aggressive rollerblading on river-worn rocks on Independence Pass to the Marolt family getting ‘high’ adventuring up Mt. Everest and Mt. Cho Oyu, there was never a dull moment. Pat Sewell’s tongue-in-cheek expose about a newly turned pro skier kept the laughs coming as he explored the pitfalls of newfound fame, and Bigline’s own Kate Olson proved that transitions can be found not just on the slopes, but in mountain bike trails and beachline breaks. But, it was the llama-inspired, desert trekking filled dreams of two brothers from just down valley that took home top honors as well as a Target gift card. Mark and Paul Stover, both local two-plankers, made the transition from a second-place in last year’s awards to a first place showing in front of a hometown crowd, beating out pro skier Chris Anthony with an inspirational comedy about his own transition from a “pale, red-headed kid” to star of 17 Warren Miller films.

After the show, everyone headed to Belly Up where a ski and snowboard fashion show took place, and girls in underwear pranced around on stage. Not sure how tight, little boy-shorts can keep someone warm on the slopes, but the guys in the bar weren’t complaining. Pat Sewell continued to show how ‘cool’ it is to be pro, showing up with an entourage larger than a high school football team, all dressed in fluorescent 80s ski gear. And, at the end of the night, as everyone stumbled out into the brisk fall night, it was apparent that we’re all ready for our own transitions into winter.

Check back for more updates on 'The Meeting'. And, for more information on how to enter next year’s NEPSA contest, check out www.AspenSnowmass.com.