The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Locals look to defend home hill
The second stop of the 2013 Subaru Freeride Series (SFS) continues its competition season at Crested Butte Mountain Resort Wednesday through Saturday, March 27-30.
Male and female freeride skiers from around the world will compete on Crested Butte’s infamous “extreme” terrain. The event starts with one day of 2-star Freeride World Qualifier competition March 28 and continues with two days of 4-star competition March 29 and 30.
“Crested Butte has deep roots in American freeriding,” said Mountain Sports international event director Bryan Barlow. “Athletes are always thrilled to compete in this special place where the competition developed and founding legends were born.”
Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s big mountain venues are an ideal location for the second stop of the 2013 Subaru Freeride Series. The competition venue is comprised of rocky, exposed, extremely steep terrain, which is densely covered by vegetation. Competitors will challenge their technical skills navigating a multitude of features, including dropping cliffs, hitting airs and charging through the steep trees into the finish line.
“With all the recent snowfall, this event is going to be ideal for competitors,” said Laci Wright, events and partnerships manager for Crested Butte Mountain Resort. “As always we are thrilled to work with MSI to host this awesome event, witness some of the best skiing in the world and showcase our incredible terrain.”
Event officials will send skiers into Hawk’s Nest for the 2-star venue on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 4-star competition will kick off on Headwall on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then head to Staircase on Saturday for the finals from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The list of locals competing is long and strong and could include Alex Riedman, Ashley Bembeneck, Rob Dickinson, Tom Runcie, Mark Mikos, Franchesca Pavillard Cain and Kaytlin Hughes.
Break out the chairs, noisemakers, grills and beverages and cheer the local contingent on to victory.
