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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Giant airbag provides soft landing at Lookout Pass Terrain Park

A giant airbag provides a safety cushion for this boarder performing a doubleback stunt. (Lookout Pass Ski Area)
A giant airbag provides a safety cushion for this boarder performing a doubleback stunt. (Lookout Pass Ski Area)

WINTER SPORTS - Skiers and riders can perform bold new tricks in the terrain park with greatly reduced risk at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, Feb. 24-26.

A large inflatable air bag will be in place Friday through Sunday below the biggest ramp at Lookout’s Exit 0 terrain park, located directly above the base lodge.

Read on for details from Lookout Pass spokesman Bill Jennings.

The special feature, available for three days only, is manufactured by U.S. Airbag, which is visiting ski areas across the U.S. on its “Jump On It Tour.” The company will bring its newest giant airbag to Lookout, a 50-foot by 50-foot inflatable stunt cushion 10 feet tall with adjustable vents to allow for landings of variable softness. The airbag reduces the risk of injury by partially deflating to absorb the force of a jumper’s impact.

“With the airbag, skiers and riders of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, can try new tricks for the first time safely,” said Chuck Schmidt, terrain park manager at Lookout Pass. “It’s going to be a great time to come out and increase confidence, expand horizons and push the limits.”

Skiers and riders 12 years and older are invited to experience the giant airbag. In addition to jump tickets, a regular lift ticket or Lookout season pass is required. Jump tickets will be $5 for 2 jumps; $10 for 5 jumps; or $25 for 15 jumps. U.S. Airbag staff will sell tickets directly at the jump site. Jumpers will also be required to sign a liability release (parent/guardian signatures are required for skiers and riders age 12-18).



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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