Pinball in the Rockies: The Best of Blizzard Mountain’s February Tournament

February may be cold in Colorado, but things heated up inside Blizzard Mountain Pinball as 16 competitors faced off in the Blizzard Mountain February 2025 Max Match Play tournament. With 12 head-to-head games per player and the top eight advancing to the finals, it was a full-throttle test of skill. When the flippers finally came to rest, one player emerged victorious from the flurry of flashing lights and intense competition.

A Pinball Retreat in the Rockies

Out in Conifer, Colorado, Blizzard Mountain Pinball is the kind of place where players of all ages can lose themselves in the art of the silverball. With 39 well-maintained machines spanning decades of pinball history, there’s always something new to discover. The welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make this location a gem in the Colorado pinball scene. There’s no shortage of entertainment at this family-friendly venue.

Unwrapping the Magic of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

If ever there was a pinball machine that perfectly captured the whimsical chaos of its source material, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory by Jersey Jack Pinball is it. Released in 2019, this game is a visual and mechanical feast, immersing players in a world of chocolate rivers, golden tickets, and high-energy multiballs. Designed by the legendary Pat Lawlor, the game delivers deep rules, fantastic flow, and vibrant LCD animations that pull players right into the heart of Willy Wonka’s candy-coated world.

Mastering the Sweet Science of Wonka Pinball

• Skill Shot Strategy: Right off the plunge, players can go for a standard skill shot by aiming for the Gobstopper hole, which provides instant rewards and a head start on key game objectives. For a bigger payoff, hold the left flipper and soft plunge to the upper right flipper, then send the ball up the center ramp for the Super Skill Shot.
• Gobstopper Multiball: A signature feature of the game, players must hit the Gobstopper target to unlock its spinning mechanism, then lock three balls to start this exhilarating multiball mode. Jackpots abound, and the super jackpot is a high-value prize worth chasing.
• Golden Ticket Hunt: The ultimate goal of Willy Wonka pinball is to collect all five golden tickets, which requires completing five distinct Factory Tour modes. Each ticket unlocks a crucial step toward one of the most coveted wizard modes in modern pinball.
• Combo Mastery: This game rewards smooth, fast play. Chaining ramps and orbits not only builds bonuses but also increases the likelihood of unlocking lucrative features like Everlasting Gobstopper Hurry-Ups and Wonkavator Ball Locks.
• Wonkavator Super Jackpot: A crown jewel in the game’s scoring opportunities, the Wonkavator Multiball is only available once players have qualified the lock. Shooting the ball into the Wonkavator activates a dazzling light show and massive scoring opportunities.

With its dazzling light shows, seamless animations, and challenging objectives, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory remains a tournament favorite and a must-play for pinball enthusiasts who love deep, rewarding gameplay.

A Lineup to Remember

With 39 pinball machines available, tournament players had no shortage of variety. Here’s a look at five standout games from the lineup:

Stranger Things (Premium) – Stern (2019)

The supernatural meets pinball with this upside-down world of Demogorgons and telekinetic action. The UV lighting feature transforms the playfield into a haunting spectacle, while the Demogorgon bash toy adds an interactive challenge. The game’s TK (Telekinetic) Ball Lock simulates Eleven’s powers, creating a unique ball locking system. The wizard mode, Final Showdown, requires precise shooting to complete objectives before being overrun by creatures from the Upside Down.

Ghostbusters (Premium) – Stern (2016)

Who you gonna call? This machine keeps players on their toes with unpredictable ghost action. The slingshot-activated Slimer, Mass Hysteria Multiball, and the daunting “Are You a God?” wizard mode make for a high-risk, high-reward experience. The game’s Scoleri Brothers drop targets add an extra challenge, often popping back up right when you think you’ve knocked them down for good. Additionally, the game’s left ramp feeds directly to the right outlane if not carefully controlled, making ball handling crucial.

Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) – Chicago Gaming (2021)

The Wild West comes to life in this beautifully remade classic. Duel outlaws, stop train robberies, and take part in Showdown Multiball. The enhanced LED animations and polished mechanics make this one of the best modern remakes in pinball. Quick Draw mode lets players shoot moving targets, while the Bart’s Bounty mode challenges players to hit the villainous Bart multiple times for escalating jackpots. The deep rule set, combined with the charming Western theme, makes this a must-play for tournament competitors.

Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure – Williams (1993)

Step into the boots of Indy with a playfield full of movie references. The rotating idol, Path of Adventure mini-playfield, and hidden scoops keep players engaged as they chase after the Ark of the Covenant. The game features 12 movie-based modes, including the exhilarating “Escape in the Mine Cart,” where players must make rapid shots up the left ramp to simulate Indy’s escape. The game also features multiball battles, where jackpots are earned by sinking shots into the captive ball area.

Shrek – Stern (2008)

What’s better than Donkey singing to you mid-game? This family-friendly pin is packed with humor, challenging objectives, and a “Donkey Mini-Pinball” upper playfield that adds an extra layer of fun. The game plays similarly to Family Guy, but with Shrek-themed callouts and modes. Farquaad Frenzy and Rescue the Princess modes require strategic shooting to maximize scoring, while the humor and animations make for a lighthearted but still competitive experience.

Champions of the Mountain

After a grueling competition, the top eight players stood victorious:

• 1st Place: Lewis Ritenour – A steady force in competitive pinball, Lewis’ strategic play and shot accuracy earned him the win.
• 2nd Place: Kanin Cadam – Representing Conifer, Kanin held his ground against tough competition, proving that home-court advantage is real.
• 3rd Place: Jerry Yockel – With a calculated approach, Jerry’s consistency helped him secure a podium finish.
• 4th Place: Kevin McCarthy – The man behind Blizzard Mountain, Kevin put on a strong performance while also running the show.
• 5th Place: Thomas Dessens – A traveler from Texas, Thomas made sure to leave his mark on the Colorado scene.
• 6th Place: Mark Blehm – Representing Denver, Mark showed resilience in a tightly contested field.
• 7th Place: Laura McCarthy – A veteran player with sharp flipper skills, Laura made the top eight in style.
• 8th Place: Scott Whetstine – Rounding out the finalists, Scott put up a strong fight all the way to the end.

Colorado’s Top 10 Pinball Rankings

Wrapping Up the Winter Showdown

A well-earned congratulations goes to Lewis Ritenour, who demonstrated outstanding skill and strategic mastery to claim first place. Special recognition is due to Kevin McCarthy and the team at Blizzard Mountain Pinball for organizing a seamless event that highlighted both competitive spirit and the joy of pinball.

As the Colorado pinball scene continues to thrive, we look forward to the next tournament. Think you have what it takes to flip your way to the top? Keep an eye on upcoming events, sharpen your skills, and join the action next time!