Fernie skier Dylan Siggers was the top cowboy as he lassoed the win at Wrangle the Chutes big mountain competition at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden.
Riders dropped into the new venue site of Terminator North over the weekend showing off their skills to the judges and competing for big cash in front of a euphoric crowd. This north facing terrain provided competitors with an increased vertical drop, offering them the chance to explore unprecedented lines and start a new legacy while putting on a world class show.
Ali Schroeder came third in the ladies division, as did Mikey Witlox in men’s snowboard. Davis Fultz and Josh Lloyd also competed in this epic event.
“I really liked the new venue and felt it had a ton of variety,” said Siggers. “With steep technical slopes at the top and some wide open more ‘trickable’ features in the lower half. I skied fairly tame lines both days and added some freestyle maneuvers toward the bottom. With a (very un-stylish) 720 on my day one run and a mellower 360 on my day two run.”
Mellow and unstylish, yet humble Siggers still took home the cash purse ahead of 29 serious competitors.
“I guess I just skied clean and the 720 in my day one run put me a solid two points ahead of everyone else right off the bat. In day two I just made sure I didn’t mess up! Along with some of the other heavy hitters having some misfortune on the second day, a lot of the top 10 dudes had crashes.”
Siggers was competing with the likes of ski legend Logan Pehota who placed thirteenth.
“[Pehota] would have dominated with the line he skied,” said Siggers. “However, he blew a shoe doing some super technical Billy-goating. And still after hiking up and putting his skis back on, he chucked a massive 360 over a 30 foot cliff and stomped like it was no big deal.”
Siggers shared the podium with friends Vinzenz Keller in second place and Jordy Kidner who finished third.
“Great time though; always sick when you’re on the podium with two great friends, we were all staying in the same house all weekend. Over all it was a great event and we all plan on returning next year!”
Athletes were allowed to compete by invitation only after they sent in their application complete with resume and video. Organizers have styled the big mountain competition with the ideals of the Freeride World Tour.