There was a strong North American presence at the event, with many athletes training and competing down in Chile during the summer. Canadian Frank G-P and took first place in expert skiing, followed by Stefan Thomas and Benjamin Ryerson, both from the USA. Tamo Campos (also Canadian) won the Expert snowboarding followed by Tomas Santa Maria (Chile) and Craig Gillis (USA).

In the women’s Open, in first place was Melanie Kaldi in the skiing and Carolina Dávila in snowboarding.

All round it was an exciting day in Valle Nevado. Jumps were over 6 meters high with lots of verts, truck drivers and corked 7’s. Conditions were favourable with only a few patches of cloud in the sky and the heli was running to film some aerial shots. Finals were held at 4:00 PM with a free BBQ afterwards. The LIPPI-Rossignol Freestyle Tour continues with the Slope Style being held on the 23rd of August in El Colorado resort.

RESULTS

SKI MENS EXPERT

1. Frank G-P (Canada)
2. Stefan Thomas (USA)
3. Benjamin Ryerson (USA)

SNOWBOARD MENS EXPERT

1. Tamo Campos (USA)
2. Tomas Santa Maria (Chile)
3. Craig Gillis

SKI OPEN WOMENS

1. Melanie Kaldi
2. Maria de los Angeles Aramburu
3. Josefina Aran

SNOWBOARD OPEN WOMENS

1. Carolina Davila
2. Isabel Clark
3. Otton Irarrazabal



Recent snowstorms this week have brought a further 60cm of powder to the Santiago’s ski hills. Wind has been staving off, allowing plenty of fresh tracks to be had. Avalanche danger has been high with many slides being triggered in the backcountry.

Stay tuned for more news, photos and stories on the South American season.

Profile- Andres Bayer co-founder and Coach, Freestyle/Freeride Club POWDERCHILE

Age: 28

Sponsors: Powderchile, Rossignol, Lippi, Joystick, Fung-g, Skitotal

Years skiing: 23

Years competing: 13

Favourite ski area: Nevados de Chillan Chile, Whistler Canada

Best Freestyle trick: Whatever feels smooth and stomped (cork 1080)

Best competitive result: -This year being ranked 1 in Circuito RSS (Chile freestyle competition rankings)