Blizzard Mountain March Tournament: Pinball in Conifer, CO

Pinball warriors braved the climb to Blizzard Mountain Pinball for the March 2025 Max Match Play, and what a showdown it was! With 25 players facing off in 12 head-to-head battles each, the competition was relentless. After three and a half hours of flipper fury on March 9th, only a few could claim the highest scores, but every player left with a battle well-fought.

A Pinball Paradise in the Rockies

Blizzard Mountain Pinball is the kind of place that makes pinheads wish they lived closer. Tucked away in Conifer, Colorado, this arcade has a stellar lineup of machines, a pay-per-play card system, and an atmosphere perfect for both casual players and competitive grinders. The variety here is no joke—you can play a different machine every time you visit and still find new favorites. Open until 9 PM, it’s a great spot to flip the night away. Just be sure to bring your own snacks if you plan on settling in for a long session.

Pinball Spotlight: Big Guns Strategy Guide

The most-played machine of the tournament? Big Guns by Williams, a 1987 pin that combines sci-fi with medieval fantasy—because why not? Williams was pushing boundaries in the late ’80s, experimenting with unique themes and storytelling mechanics in pinball. Big Guns was one of the first games to feature an interactive backbox animation, drawing players in with its larger-than-life aesthetic.

If you found yourself staring down the cannons and wondering how to rack up serious points, here’s a detailed battle plan:

• Lock and Load for Multiball. This game thrives on multiball scoring, and getting there should be your priority. Lock two balls in the left and right ramps, then send a third up the center to unleash a flurry of chaotic action. Once multiball is active, keep one ball controlled while using the other to rack up jackpots.
• The Drawbridge is Your Best Friend. The center drawbridge shot is crucial. It not only builds bonus scores but also feeds directly into setting up the King’s chamber for battle.
• Know Your Targets. The playfield has multiple lanes and stand-up targets, each contributing to key objectives. Shooting the flashing stand-ups lights the way toward bigger rewards.
• The Queen’s Last Stand. Your ultimate goal is to defeat the Evil Queen—this requires precise shooting and well-timed playfield control. Once defeated, expect massive scoring bonuses.
• Use the Upper Playfield Wisely. Many players overlook the upper mini-playfield, but it holds key bonuses and jackpots. Keep those flippers active up top to maximize your score potential.

Standout Machines from the Lineup

With 40 machines in play, there were plenty of legendary games to choose from. Here are a few that stood out:

• King Kool (Gottlieb, 1972) – Designed by Ed Krynski and featuring artwork from Gordon Morison, this electro-mechanical (EM) classic was part of Gottlieb’s era of drop-target innovation. With its symmetrical layout, it challenged players to master the art of nudging and precision shooting—hallmarks of EM-era pinball.
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (Bally, 1975) – Greg Kmiec’s design paid tribute to Elton John’s Tommy-inspired pinball persona, making this one of the most iconic rock-and-roll-themed machines ever produced. The game’s bold color scheme and challenging outlane drains demand careful ball control.
• Stranger Things (Premium) (Stern, 2019) – Brian Eddy, famed for designing Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars, brought his expertise to Stranger Things, incorporating innovative UV lighting effects and a Demogorgon bash toy that tests players’ aim under pressure.
• Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro) (Stern, 2025) – A fresh release carrying on Stern’s tradition of deep rule sets and immersive storytelling, this pin blends RPG mechanics with classic pinball gameplay. Expect wizard modes and loot-based scoring elements to challenge players.
• Pinbot (Williams, 1986) – Barry Oursler and Python Anghelo’s Pinbot was groundbreaking for its time, introducing a progressive target bank that simulated planetary exploration. The robotic speech synthesis and mesmerizing visor-opening effect make it a true classic.
• Black Knight (Williams, 1980) – Steve Ritchie revolutionized pinball with Black Knight, being the first machine to feature a split-level playfield and the infamous Magna-Save, allowing players to rescue balls from the outlanes using magnets. This game laid the groundwork for an entire pinball franchise.
• Red & Ted’s Road Show (Williams, 1994) – A Pat Lawlor gem that built on Funhouse’s talking-head gimmick, adding two animated characters and a coast-to-coast journey through America. Its deep rule set and multiple multiballs make it a fan favorite.
• Iron Man (Stern, 2010) – Designed by John Borg, Iron Man is notorious for its brutal difficulty. The Whiplash and War Machine magnets keep players on edge, ensuring non-stop action and lightning-fast ball times.
• Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (Jersey Jack, 2019) – Pat Lawlor’s masterpiece brings the 1971 classic movie to life with golden ticket hunts, chocolate river shots, and an impressive LCD integration. The intricate rule set rewards exploration and creative shot-making.

The Players Who Took Home the Glory

A massive shoutout to the players who battled through the match-play gauntlet and came out victorious:

• 1st Place – Oliver Baker: Ranked 16th in Colorado, Oliver continues to prove he’s a force in the state’s competitive pinball scene. With 44 total IFPA events under his belt, his consistency paid off in a big way.
• 2nd Place – Kevin McCarthy: The tournament organizer himself put on an impressive performance, finishing second while balancing the duties of running the event. Ranked 21st in Colorado, Kevin’s deep tournament experience (473 events!) showed in his strategic play.
• 3rd Place – Lewis Ritenour: With a state ranking of 26th, Lewis played strong throughout the day and earned a well-deserved spot on the podium.
• 4th Place – Stephanie Koutavas: Representing Colorado proudly, Stephanie broke into the top four with a stellar showing, proving that she’s climbing the ranks with every event she enters.

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Flipping the Final Page

Blizzard Mountain Pinball once again delivered a fantastic tournament experience, and a big thanks goes out to Kevin McCarthy for making it all happen. Whether you were a seasoned competitor or just there for the love of the game, this event proved why Colorado’s pinball scene is one to watch. Until next time, keep those flippers sharp, and if you find yourself in Conifer, make sure to drop a few quarters (or card swipes) into a classic at Blizzard Mountain!

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