Words & Photos by Holly Walker

Little Cottonwood Cayon, early morning. Earliest Snowbird tram, 5 male competitors and judges. Reminiscent of last year. Day 1's unfinished business rolling into Day 2 - due to weather. Silverfox was attacked by Aaron Hunt, Johnny Law, Jesse Bryan, Erich Kunz and Jason Bruce.

Not long after, the judges moved over to the bottom of North Baldy to kick-off Day 2 - Finals of the World Tour U.S. Freeskiing Championships. The women skied first, with Day 1 leaders and Snowbird locals, Alaina Huestis and Kelly Holland, taking unfortunate falls. Laura Ogden, Lynn Kennen, and Libby Bittner skied solid runs taking the top 3 podium spots consecutively.

Next came the men, picking up from the day before - the David's charged hard. Christian "Little C" Boucher from Whistler, BC at 110 pounds, skied fast and fluid with a huge double at the bottom to take the lead. The crowds went wild. Everyone including local Ben Wheeler was cheering for this unsponsored underdog. Local boy, 'Little Buddy' Nick Greener was not far behind. But Frenchmen Adrien Coirier and Guerlain Chicherit were throwing down the biggest - the lookers left air. Chicherit is back from a 2 year ski sabbatical. His rally car contract previously prohibited him from ski competitions, but he is back stronger than ever, ready to take on the tour.

Then there was the Super Finals. The sun had finally crested over North Baldy and the spectators were basking, drinking, bbquing, cheering and catching up with old friends. In the end the top men maintained there placement with Chicherit moving up in the ranks with an original far lookers left line. Then there was the final man. Christian Boucher, charging his line times two. The crowd was amped as he dropped into his final air before finish. Then POOF! Yard sale... skis, poles and gloves to boot. Head toe head toe head toe head toe head toe. It was a 'high quality' crash. Not even before he had time to hike for his skis, the crowds raced off to the Tram deck and the Nick Greener interviews began.

Next was the podiums. Top 4 men and women and double Sick Bird Awards. Christian Boucher for charging hard and with heart. Stacy Cash for throwing down bigger than any women in the amphitheatre.

I headed home. Time for a shower after days of couch surfing chez gracious Kelly Holland's house. We piled in cars and headed to the Bowling Alley for the after party. All you could consume pizza and beer along with freestyle rapping. An interesting mix especially with Joey Smallwood dominating the dance floor. But that was just the beginning, the after party raged late at 'The Hostel', a ski house inhabited by many local pros and rippers alike. The remainder of the night is too much to describe, but if you really want the low down, give Rachel Burkes a call.

Until next comp. Good night.

View FINAL RESULTS

______________________________________________

Author Holly Walker is sponsored by Dynastar/Look/Lange, Icebreaker, Smith, Giro, Gordini, www.SouthAmericaSki.com. She enjoys working on her goggle tan on the Snowbird tram deck while dreaming of exotic destinations.