15-18 Boys Suspended By Weather
After a stormy few days in Revelstoke, the weather co-operated just enough to allow everyone but the 15-18 boys to get through the venues on North Bowl. The storm dropped 15 centimeters for Saturday’s final, with another eight before the day was done. However, it was very wet, as the freezing level was a few hundred feet below the venue. But despite numerous weather holds, conditions were good (not great) for the best junior skiers from the U.S. and Canada to ski, send, and stomp some awesome lines in two 1500 vertical foot venues.
The 15-18 girls side was dominated by AltaBird’s Jess Sterrett, who stomped the biggest airs on both venues to claim first place. Red Mountain’s Sally Steeves took 2nd, followed by AltaBird’s Tasha Heilweil. Crested Butte ladies Brittany Barefield and Josie Byron took 6th and 10th overall. It was a great result for the girls, who more than held their own despite being younger than most in the age group. The 12-14 girls was won by Alex Beswick, who took the top spot after favorite Edie Mason fell.
The 12-14 boys division was won by Whitefish Mountain’s Parker Costain, whose impressive big skiing had him two points above the nearest competitor. The podium was rounded out by Squaw Valley’s Ross Tester and Sugar Bowl’s Xander Guldman. In a week of playful neighbor rivalry, the all U.S. podium resulted in “USA” chants, which were of course firmly rebutted.
The event also saw the addition of snowboard categories. Despite a small field, the riding was strong. Connelly Brooks won the 15-18 boys, while Steamboat Spring’s Jake Moller dominated the 12-14 division.
Despite a week of awesome skiing, the best has yet to come. Today, thirty-five finalists will tear North Bowl apart. At the moment, Crested Butte’s Matt Evans is tied for first with Whitewater Freeride’s Sam Kuch. AltaBird contenders Andrew Pollard and Grant Howard are not far behind. It should turn out to be quite a show.
