woke up next to the lake in South Lake- not too shabby
I started off the week road tripping from SLC to Kirkwood with Jake Sakson and Katrina Devore. They picked me up on the way but we were running a little late and didn't make it in to South Lake Tahoe until early the next morning. The minivan made for a decent bed, so I looked half decent the next morning.
From my result at Moonlight Basin I was pre-qualified for the semi-finals at Kirkwood- so no qualifiers for me. The boys and girls threw down at on Lookout Vista on some pretty tough conditions- major props to them!
Kirkwood Cirque- Day 1
I wasn't feeling my best in the days leading up to Day 1, I had overdone it a little on a jog earlier in the week. The thought of skiing hard and jumping off things made me feel a little unwell so I tried to find a fun line and think positive.
For Day 1 the snow was firm with a few inches of fresh on top. With a little bit of sun the conditions weren't too bad. Our inspection was meant to be a ski through but some of the particulars were lost in translation and Hadley Hammer and I were sent below the starting point to inspect. When we realized was inspecting above us we kicked off our skis and hiked to get a good view of our lines. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and in my run I dropped in too late and missed the main cliff in my line. At the bottom I was pretty bummed- I skied the rest of the line ok but it was nothing spectacular. However, my skiing was just enough to put me into 7th and push me through to the finals.
Other than an amazing Cirque that is off limits for most of the season, Kirkwood has some pretty amazing rock formations. After inspection, we went on a little adventure to a cave that was sunk into a buttress half way down the resort.
I wasn't feeling my best in the days leading up to Day 1, I had overdone it a little on a jog earlier in the week. The thought of skiing hard and jumping off things made me feel a little unwell so I tried to find a fun line and think positive.
For Day 1 the snow was firm with a few inches of fresh on top. With a little bit of sun the conditions weren't too bad. Our inspection was meant to be a ski through but some of the particulars were lost in translation and Hadley Hammer and I were sent below the starting point to inspect. When we realized was inspecting above us we kicked off our skis and hiked to get a good view of our lines. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and in my run I dropped in too late and missed the main cliff in my line. At the bottom I was pretty bummed- I skied the rest of the line ok but it was nothing spectacular. However, my skiing was just enough to put me into 7th and push me through to the finals.
Other than an amazing Cirque that is off limits for most of the season, Kirkwood has some pretty amazing rock formations. After inspection, we went on a little adventure to a cave that was sunk into a buttress half way down the resort.
Cave!
Laurent hanging out in the cave
Cave + friends = fun
Hadley and I taking an inspection run of the finals face- the beginning of my sunburn
After a sunny inspection of the finals face with Hadley, we jumped in the car back to the Rockstar Hostel for some cartoon loving before finals.
Randy Evans getting a ride home on the back of Sonja's car
Finals face
Hadley and I inspected a fun-filled line the day before. I was stoked! The features I had chosen weren't huge but they connected into a fluid, interesting line. All I wanted to do was ski fast and put down the run that I knew I was capable of. I guess it worked out! I felt good after dropping in but my score made me feel even better. Watching the girls after me was impressive- they put down great, fast runs and after my low score from Day 1 I couldn't imagine moving much further up the ranks. After all the girls were down I couldn't believe I had made it to the top 5 let alone the podium. I finished off in 3rd place. Getting on the podium in a FWT stop has been a goal of mine for the last 2 season- it was crazy to final achieve it.
Check out my finals run here!
After another amazing comp it was time to chill out and watch the boys throw down. Just like competing in big mountain events, spectating is also a strategic art that takes a lot of focus and planning.
Hadley and I inspected a fun-filled line the day before. I was stoked! The features I had chosen weren't huge but they connected into a fluid, interesting line. All I wanted to do was ski fast and put down the run that I knew I was capable of. I guess it worked out! I felt good after dropping in but my score made me feel even better. Watching the girls after me was impressive- they put down great, fast runs and after my low score from Day 1 I couldn't imagine moving much further up the ranks. After all the girls were down I couldn't believe I had made it to the top 5 let alone the podium. I finished off in 3rd place. Getting on the podium in a FWT stop has been a goal of mine for the last 2 season- it was crazy to final achieve it.
Check out my finals run here!
After another amazing comp it was time to chill out and watch the boys throw down. Just like competing in big mountain events, spectating is also a strategic art that takes a lot of focus and planning.
One way to keep beverages cool
Ashley Maxfield, Ashely Benbenek and myself soaking up the sun
And finally after a lot of sunburn, beer, road trips and an amazing season I made it on to the FWT podium. I felt so excited to be on the podium with these girls- it was a pretty special day.
It's been an awesome winter, despite the snow conditions. Thanks to everyone for the support and fun times.
Check out this amazing highlights video from the finals- it was an epic competition!
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