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Freeski series set to hit FAR for another year

Junior freeskiers from around North America will be dropping into Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) for another year of the junior free skiing.
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FAR is hosting a freeski competition from Feb. 18 to the 21.

Junior freeskiers from around North America will be dropping into Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) for another year of the junior freeskiing

circuit from Feb. 18 to 21.

The event is part of the RCR Freeski Series and is a sanctioned International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) National Event. The event has pre-registration due to the number of participants that compete.

“These events are very popular, so advanced registration is required. Field size is determined by event but usually ranges from 100 to 150,” said Matt Mosteller, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Senior Vice President, Marketing and Resort Experience.

According to Mosteller, this will be a spectator-friendly sport, however, spectators will need a valid FAR pass and will be able to access the events ski zones for viewing on skis or snowboards.

“The public is welcome to watch. In fact it is such a cool experience that we suggest people do take time from their ski day to watch. [The] event site is accessible on skis, check in on the day of the event for actual course location,” said Mosteller.

Mosteller believes the team that puts the series on has been a key in the junior freeski development scene.

“Our team has played an integral role in the freeski and freeride sport, having pioneered bringing the sport to Canada and hosting early day senior events and being the first to host a junior freeski series in Canada,” said Mosteller.

Fernie has been a part of this movement and its mountain has become a cornerstone of the series.

“Fernie has played a vital role in making this sport possible for thousands of youth over the years, and we are very fortunate to have the professional event team, highly talented Fernie Ski Patrol and Mountain Ops team to pull off these amazing events,” he said.  “Combining our team, the incredible variety of terrain and amazing snow makes Fernie one of the best places in North America to host a junior freeski event.”

The event schedule starts on Feb. 18, when competitors register and submit gear for inspection. On Feb. 19, the 12 to 14 age group has their qualifiers, and the 15-18 age group has its qualifiers the following day. On the final day of Feb. 21, all age groups compete in the finals. The events team in conjunction with the Fernie Ski Patrol will determine the competitions ski areas; this will be dependant on weather and avalanche conditions.

The event will feature some of the best junior freeski competitors in the world.

“It’s incredible visual excitement - watching highly talented athletes who find the most amazing lines down a variety of steep terrain showing their amplitude, skills and tricks along the way,” said Mosteller. “You will be wowed by this, plain and simple.”