The freestyle ski team from Big White had a successful weekend at the 4th annual Smith Optics Junior Freeski Open in Nelson.
The freeskiing competition was open to youth aged seven and 18, and saw competitors navigate their way through double black and black terrain. The competition featured cliffs, airs, and moguls, with skiers judged on line choice, fluidity, style, control and aggressiveness.
“Despite the variable conditions, the team excelled in all aspects of this challenging event,” said Patrick Monteith, coach for the Big White Freestyle Team. “We’re looking forward to expanding this area of our team and pushing these athletes further next season.”
The Big White team with coaches Patrick and Steven (Photo Credit: Big White)
A total of six athletes attended the event and the snow conditions were very sticky and variable and caused two athletes, Luciano and Gabby, to lose a ski each, dropping their scores significantly. Big White athlete Caleb was also knocked out of the qualifiers after sustaining a sprained knee while doing a 180.
Big White athletes Lewis, Emelie, and Frederieka all skied clean and made it to the finals on the Blast run. Frederieka skied very well and finished 8th in the 12 to 14 age category. Her sister Emelie also skied well and caught some good air, landing in 6th in the same category.
On the boys side, Lewis dropped a big cliff up top of the run and ripped the rest of the run, placing him in 7th in the 12 to 14 age category.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
