Riksgransen Big Moutnain Comp 9mgs

If you live in western Canada or anywhere else with jagged peaks then the mountains up here may at first seem unimpressive. They are mostly rounded masses of granite and all rise less than 2200 meters. However, once you get in the peaks, you realize that the skiing is actually really good here.

There is a lot of convex role skiing here and this comp rewards those experienced in the area. Missing your line is simple: finding it is the crux. There is a lot of steep pitches and the area is a rock grinder’s paradise.

The lines thrown down were as solid as any comp anywhere. In fact, the Swedes were charging harder than most of the spectators or judges wanted to see. On day 2 there was a lot of carnage and the only thing blowing harder than the wind was the knees, shoulders, wrists, and faces of the unlucky competitors.

The comp divided the competitors into 4 different categories: Mens and womens alpine, telemark, and snowboard.


By the end of the 2nd day it was clear who would win the women’s final. Keep your eyes open for Jeanette Hargin, an import to freeride from world cup racing; ahead by 12 points after the 2nd day, Jeanette won her event by more than 15 points.

The mens event was much closer. After the 2nd day, the top 5 competitors were separated by 1.5 points and it was anybody’s comp going into the final. Wille Lindberg, a 21 year old hometown hero, led into the final and ended up edging Reine Barkered by 1 point for the win.

There were significantly less telemarkers and snowboarders. Joonas Karhumaa, of Finland, grabbed the telemark lead the first day and never let it go. Björn Lindgren, from Kiruna Sweden, won for the snowboarders.

All in all, it was a good comp, the logistics were organized well, and it’s worth checking out next year if you want all the things that a comp brings: fear, anxiety, pain, jubilation, and parties. Bring your body amour.

P

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