2006-03-08 00:00:00, Fernie
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Fernie is kicking off its annual freeski challenge next week and solid action is guaranteed. Locals and shredders from the states and other parts of western Canada will be on hand to throw down. Dom 'Sweet Cherry' Melanson will be back to defend his title along with locals Dina 'the Russian Rocket' Power, Janina Kuzma who both threw down last year on the Cement Mixer, a massive big mountain face. We'll be there and hope to see you as well. Here's a link to last years coverage
The competition requires skill and mental endurance – contestants will ski their chosen line with as much style and control they can deliver and are be judged in five categories, including line, control, fluidity, technique and aggressiveness. Skiers who choose a more difficult line are rewarded with additional points.
Jack Carey of Telluride, Colorado (Captain Jack) will be the Event Director for the competition, and Canadian Freeski veteran Jeff Holden will be the head judge of the event. The exact venue for each of the competition runs will be determined by Jack Carey and the Fernie Pro Patrol prior to the event.
Fernie locals Karolina Ekman, Dina Power and Janina Kuzma, who placed first and third in the women’s category at the Smith Optics Lake Louise Big Mountain Challenge, are looking forward to skiing on their home turf for the event.
The event schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, March 15: Registration, bib pick-up and venue inspection
Thursday, March 16: Qualifying Run (all competitors)
Friday, March 17: Semi Finals
Saturday, March 18: Finals and Junior Freeski Competition
Sunday, March 19: Weather day
Registration is $75 without lift tickets, and $175 with lift tickets. All participants much be at least 19 years of age to register, and may do so at www.skircr.com/freeski. Spectators are welcome; a valid lift ticket is required to access the freeski sites. With over 763cm of snow so far this season, and a current snowpack of 368cm, Fernie Alpine Resort is having an epic season and is expected to have excellent conditions for the event.
The top three men and women will be awarded with a cash prize. Further, a cumulative points total from the Smith Optics Lake Louise Big Mountain Challenge (recently held February 22-26) and the Smith Optics Fernie Freeski will be used to determine an overall cumulative champion from the Freeski series.
A new addition to the competition for this year will be the Junior Freeski Competition, taking place on Saturday, March 18th. There will be three categories of competition, including 7-11 years old, 12-15 years old, and 16-18 years old. The entry fee is $35, or $55 with a lift ticket. Entry fee includes prizes and a T-shirt. The junior competition will have a maximum of 75 participants, helmets are mandatory. An entry form for the Junior competition is available by contact Fernie Alpine Resort at info@skifernie.com or call (250) 4234-4655.
Event sponsors include Biglines, Old Dutch, Planet Foods, Appleton, Orage, Fresh Sports, Skier Magazine, Fernie Lodging Company and LEKI.
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