Young Rippers Overrun Crested Butte for IFSA Junior Nationals

Photos: Laci Wright  |   CBMST Stumbles on Home Turf.  AltaBird Skiers Strong 

This past weekend, the best junior big mountain skiers in the country descended on Crested Butte for the IFSA Junior Nationals.  Expectations were high for the Crested Butte Mountain Sports Team, who are in the midst of a very strong season.  However, the team could not put the pieces together, and uncommon mistakes led to costly point deductions.  Podium favorite Brittany Barefield went down after her first air on day one.  Matt Evans established a dominant lead over the field day one, yet could not keep it together on the handrail of the Staircase.  After earning a second place finish day one, Maile Cowell lost a ski early in her run while the field stayed on their feet.  Josie Byron skied a very technical top section, but put a hip down on the exit of her crux move.  She missed the podium by less than one tenth of a point.

Despite troubles for the CBMST, Junior Nationals exhibited some incredible skiing from the rest of the field.  In the 12-14 division, AltaBird’s Edie Mason and Vail’s Kevin Nichols continued to dominate their respective divisions, winning by over four points each. AltaBird skier Tasha Heilweil put together two impressive runs to take the girls 15-18 division.   It was an incredibly satisfying result for Heilweil, who has had issues staying on her skis despite being one of the stronger girls on tour.  “It’s an awesome feeling.  I’ve always known that i’m capable of winning these comps, so it is gratifying to finally put it all together and take one.  First of many hopefully.”  AltaBird teammate Seth Klein ripped the Staircase, and with the help of some leaders crashing, overcame a four point deficit to take the top spot and cap a successful weekend for the AltaBird Freeride Team.

Overall, it was another awesome weekend for the Juniors.  Between decent conditions, the Wailers, and Big Air on Elk, the weekend was a success despite the CBMST’s struggles.  Matt Evans, who took second place in Big Air on Elk later that evening, explained, “Im bummed I fell again, but I’m stoked for everyone who did well.  It was awesome to compete at home, and show my friends what Crested Butte is all about.”