Monster Energy Boarderstyle is coming to Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) on Mar. 18 and 19. The event features two days of racing with qualifiers on Friday and the finals on Saturday. This will be the resort’s first year hosting the event but they are hoping to receive more than 50 competitors.
“Being the first year hosting this event we are not quite sure what to expect but are hoping for 60-80 racers,” said FAR Events Coordinator Jeni Pearson.
“The event is open to general public. The winner from the event will get to go toWhistler to compete in the Boarderstyle World Championships - where they will go up against the pros.”
There is a hefty prize purse and free entry for competitors. The winner will be flown to the World Championships in April.
“Thanks to the support from Monster Energy there is great prizing up for grabs,” said Pearson. “There is a $5,000 cash purse which will be divided up amongst the top four finishers plus the winner will get flown to Whistler to compete in the Boarderstyle World Championships Apr. 15 to 16. The great part is that entry is free which makes the prizing that much sweeter.”
While this is the first time boarderstyle is coming to FAR, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) has held them before at sister resorts.
“This is the first time that this event will be held at the resort and we are excited to host it. Boarderstyle has been part of the Whistler Ski & Snowboard Festival for a few years now and it's great to see it expanding to other resorts,” said Pearson. “Our sister RCR Resort, Stoneham in Quebec, will also be hosting a Boarderstyle event Apr. 2.”
According to Pearson, the event will be ideal for spectators.
“This is a great spectator event,” she said. “The best viewing will be at the finish line for the race on Saturday – the main event starts at 2:15 p.m.”
The event course will be unique and has been under construction since Mar. 14.
“This is a custom designed course for the event so it will be unique from our regular ski cross course,” said Pearson. “Our mountain operations team will be working on the course this week including putting in some of the fun course features including a skim pond part way down the course.”
The event is receiving worldwide recognition and is gaining in popularity.
“I think this is becoming a rider and crowd favourite because it's a new and unique event. This is an event that is unique to Monster Energy and combines two different styles of riding - boardercross and slopestyle,” said Pearson. “While still being competitive the features on course are meant to make the race challenging but fun and the jump at the finish will provide the crowd with some great action.”