The 19th annual Junior National Canadian Open Freeride Championships concluded at Red Mountain Resort on Saturday.
The event featured over 150 athletes, including members of 15 North American freeride teams and independent athletes. Thursday and Friday saw them compete to qualify for the finals on Saturday, and when the powder settled, a number of Red Mountain and Rossland athletes were called to the podium.
Overall the judges seemed impressed with what they saw.
“Creative, dynamic and technical lines were laid down on Links Line, the perfect venue for a Junior National freeride event. I was impressed by the caliber of athleticism. The athletes pushed the boundaries while staying within their abilities. It’s beautiful to watch the youth learn about physical and mental boundaries while having a blast,” Jeff Holden, the Canadian Open’s head judge and technical director, said in a press release.
And there’s still more freeride action to come. Athletes arrived for the collegiate event on Monday and began competition on Tuesday, with finals taking place Wednesday. For a complete schedule of events, visit canadianfreeskiing.com.
RESULTS
7-11 Girls
First: Sofia Guy, Whistler Freeride Club
Second: Drea Dimma, Whistler Freeride Club
Third: Lucy Wettersten, Winter Park Big Mountain Team
7-11 Boys
First: Dane Jewett, Whistler Freeride Club
Second: Bodhi Kuhn, Red Mountain SnowSports
Third: Xander Bankes, Red Mountain SnowSports
12-14 Girls
First: Erin Flood, IFSA Independent — Rossland
Second: Lillian Nimmer, Northwest Freeride
Third: Natalie Cooper, Red Mountain Snowsports
12-14 Boys
First: Simon Hillis, Red Mountain Snowsports
Second: Marcus Goguen, Whistler Freeride Club
Third: Wei Tien Ho, Whistler Freeride Club
15-18 Girls
First: Olivia McNeill, Whistler Freeride Club
Second: Aoife Gannon, Whistler Freeride Club
Third: Rhegan Williamson, Whistler Freeride Club
15-18 Boys
First: Sol Butler, IFSA Independent — Slocan
Second: Luke Lister, Whistler Freeride Club
Third: Benjie McMaster, Whistler Freeride Club