The firm and icy venue conditions, caused by the previous day's rain, subsequent overnight freezing, and the venues angle, which got very little of the afternoon sun, proved very challenging. Competitors were forced to tone down their lines and ski according to the conditions. Those who didn't were handed a firm slap by the even firmer course, which I can vouch for personally.
The events format was 2 runs per competitor on the hike access venue. Although reasonably short, the venue provided heaps of different options for lines, from open runs with multiple airs to tight chutes and even some billy-goating. The bottom gave everyone a chance to show off their air skills on some of the many windlips in the bottom of the basin.
The snowboarders were run first giving everyone within earshot an idea of how firm the snow actually was. Despite the conditions, competitors still managed to put down some very impressive lines. Maria Kuzma looked very strong on her winning run on the ladies snowboard side, cleaning a difficult line down the centre of the course. Christian Schnabel went huge off of a massive ramp in the middle of the course to take the prize, and the respect, on the mens snowboarding side.
The ladies skiers were up next and it was Jenna Hunt who shook out on top. The mens skiers category was taken out by Englishman Tom Cadbury, who was skiing in his first ever Freeskiing competition. Tom put in two solid runs through the more difficult section of the course to take the win. Second place and run of the day went to Gustaph Kagesten, who boldly aired huge off the top rock and the largest feature at the bottom on his second run, holding on to not one but two impossible landings.
With the competition out of the way everyone was happy to move on to some of the great terrain at Mt. Olympus that had been softened up by the sun. All in all, the event was a huge success, as the low key vibe was enjoyed by all who attended.
A special thanks to Stu and Guy from Chill for throwing the event, Nick and Tom for judging, and all the Olympus crew for making it happen. Also a personal thanks to Duane "Sloppy" Schroeder for the action photos.
