4/04/02 - SNOWMASS, CO
The last official stop on the POWDER to the People Tour visited Snowmassfor the Evian Colorado Freeride Series and Championships this weekend.Tom Winter, the Chief of Race, pulled off an incredibly successfulspinoff on last year's Berthoud BadAss Series to create a smoothly-run,top-notch competition on the steeps of Snowmass.
Two areas strewn with cliff bands served as the venue for theChampionships. The Qualifiers and Day 1 were held on the upper reachesof the Hanging Valley Wall, while the final day was reserved for theupper Cirque, between AMF and Gowdy's. Competitors hucked large andskied some serious exposure to put on an unbelievable show, with aminimum of carnage. Props go out to the Aspen/Snowmass ski patrol fortheir quick response to several nasty falls taken by a few unfortunateskiers.
Summit County local and two-time U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championshipwinner Rex Wehrman took home first-place in the men's skiing division,while Jamie Britt took top honors for the women skiers. A huge POWDER tothe People party awarded everything from Spyder Venom clothing totequila shots to competitors and bystanders alike.
Gabe is headed down to Crested Butte to throw one last party and swaggive-away during the 11th annual U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships,so look out for his update from the last great comp of the year. Later,we'll be posting coverage from POWDER's Superpark 4, as well as the WestCoast Invitational from Mammoth, California. Also check back on the mainPowdermag.com page for an in-depth feature on big-mountaincompetition . . .from the inside.
I'm now back in Salt Lake City enjoying the spring temps and jonesing toget out for some last turns as the season winds down. I hope all of youhave enjoyed the POWDER to the People Tour as much as I have, and I'llsee ya next year! -J.R.