First Annual Molson Canadian Junior Freeskiing Event Deemed a Success

Developing the pool of competitors for the future of freeskiing, junior athletes from as far away as Utah descended upon Rossland and Red Resort, BC for the first annual Molson Canadian Junior Freeskiing Championship.

Competitors, ranging in age from twelve to seventeen, came to Red Resort to tackle the course that the senior athletes will be skiing during the Fifth Annual Molson Canadian Freeskiing event. They tested their mettle on Link’s Line, being judged in categories of line, fluidity, control, aggression and technique.

Out of a field of forty-one competitors, there were athletes from Snowbird, Utah, Whistler Resort, BC, Banff and Lake Louise, AB, Crystal Mountain, WA, and one-third of the athletes hailed from nearby Whitewater and host mountain Red Resort.

The panel of judges, headed up by Jeff Holden, included Dan Slater and last year’s winner Pete Velesik. Later in the week they will be joined by LeeAnn Paterson, and Jimmy Jack, head judge for the World Freeskiing Tour. Returning for his fifth year as Director for the Senior Event, “Captain” Jack Carey brought his expertise to the junior division and said, “It’s so rewarding seeing young athletes learning about the challenges within themselves, while testing their physical skills against the big mountain.”

Red Resort organizers were extremely pleased that a safe and injury-free event had taken place, while still maintaining the spirit, energy and excitement that comes from a big mountain competition. “These kids are the wave of the future and the next generation is impressive. Not only were the physical skills inspiring, but they demonstrated a mountain sense far beyond their years,” said head judge Jeff Holden.

Competitors were divided into four divisions; boys and girls ages 12-14 and 15-17. Within the girls’ division, Megan Gunning of Lake Louise, AB walked away with the highest score in the 12-14 age bracket, followed by Rio Kinkade of Snowbird, UT in second place and Jenny Lawson of Red Resort in third. In the 15-17 age bracket, Whistler girls dominated. Ariana Stufano placed first, followed by Erin Kerr in second.

The most exciting division was the boys, ages 12-14. Coming from behind after the first run, local favorite Colston Beatson pulled off a first place finish, with Ryan Sullivan of Whistler, BC, (awarded most exciting run of the day for his back flip and 360 combination) placing second. Ryan Hartlin, of Banff, AB, walked away with third. The 15-17 age class was dominated by Matt Lawton of Crystal Mountain, WA, who pulled off a first place finish, and with an overall score of 68, was best among all skiers. Alex Wall of Whitewater, BC, finished second, and Carter McMillan of Lake Louise, AB, made his drive worthwhile by taking home third place. Local Rossland sponsors Ross Vegas, Butch Boutry Ski Shop, Powderhound and Red Sports added equipment to the already substantial $500 in cash, given to the winners.

Heather Sim, competition director, said “With this sort of response, next year’s Second Annual Molson Junior Championship promises to be even bigger and better. Plans are already underway to improve upon an already successful event.”

Article provided by Red Mountain Resort.

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