BY HOLLY WALKER 

As snow and wind pounded Kirkwood, road closures and chair wind holds may have ensued but skiers still began to arrive in numbers. Flights from Europe, buses from Reno, cars from Canada... The slew came despite weather, ready to compete in the annual big mountain competition, locally known as the "Extremes."

The North American Freeskiing Championships at Kirkwood is the final stop on the IFSA North America and World Tours, so competitors showed up early to inspect. On Wednesday a snowstorm pounded the resort, closing the upper chairs and Vista venue. So posses formed and pow skiing proceeded on Chair 6. The next morning the sun paid us a visit and inspection was on everyone's mind. The MSI crew was busy at work registering athletes but used announcer Dak's birthday as an opportunity to unwind at Bub's bar later. Happy Birthday Dak!

DAY #1: VISTA Final North America Tour Stop and World Tour Qualifier

Lines were dialed and jumps built by skiers and snowboarders alike. After a short hike up the ridge to the venue Vista, the knuckle draggers strapped on their gear to kick off the competition. The snowboarder runs of the day went to Paul Snowdy of Tahoe City and Katie Weinner of Carnelian Bay.

A field of 64 men skiers followed next, all battling for coveted spots in the World Tour qualifier. Gunnar Newquist's line set the standard early with fast airs including the waterfall gap. Whistler local Dave Treadway stomped big airs but not as big as his travel buddy Ryan Bougie! Ryan, one of the last to go, sent it of the top, made one turn, aired the biggest cliff of the day, turned again and straight lined it into the finish and first place. Second place went to Kirkwood local boy Josh Daiek who dominated the venue he had been practicing on-hill and in his mind for weeks. 36 men made the cut, including the one and only telemarker Doug Severn of South Lake. The first to be cut was Whistler rider Jay Johnston. When I asked him how he felt about the cut off, he told me that "back flips don't win comps" but what a sweet back flip it was!

Last but not least it was the females turn tear up Vista. Canadian Dana Carmichael dropped in first and skied a technical far right line that placed second. The fluid line of the day goes to Alaina Huestis of Snowbird who made baby pink look badass. The GNAR GNAR award goes to Erin Boucher who aired a step up into rocks!! We hope you are okay Erin! Props also goes to Claire Smallwood of Santa Fe for a huge air off the top followed by a tumble that didn't stop her from finishing. Lastly, first place went to Jessica McMillan who charged the venue with skiercross style and speed.

Look out, because this isn't the last you'll hear of Jess. The Amstel Light flowed and the awards followed but Ryan Bougie was nowhere to be found. Results were distributed and those with smiles headed over to the Red Cliffs Lodge to register and join the big kids of the World Tour. Start times were discussed and maps of the next day's venue passed out. Everyone would get a one-time inspection of the permanent closure "The Cirque" in the morning.

Women's podium

Men's podium, artisitc rendition of Bougie.

Women's results

Men's results

To Continue to World Tour Day 1: CLICK HERE>

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly Walker is a freeskier who enjoys writing, travelling, helping friends with projects and the occassional game of ping pong. She is sponsored by Smith, Giro, Gordini Gloves and Dynastar/Lange/Look.