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Junior Freeskiing Tour Results (JFT)
- Snowbird, UT – March 10-15, 2009
John Collinson 4th place
With fresh snow falling on the "Tower 3" venue on Monday, the first ever Junior Freeskiing Nationals at Utah's Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort was postponed due to inclement weather. Blue skies resurfaced Tuesday morning and the Junior athletes had optimal conditions for the two-run competition. In the end, Annalise Manley of Jackson Hole, Wyo. and Riley Rose of Alta, Ut. won the 12-14 age division while Alex George of Jackson Hole and Snowbird local Leo Ahrens won the 15-17 age division.
Taking a page from the popular Freeskiing World Tour (FWT), promoter Mountain Sports International (MSI) partnered with the International Freeskiers Association (IFSA) to produce several events on the newest freeskiing tour to hit North America, the Junior Freeskiing Tour (JFT). The JFT fills a gap in the freeskiing industry by allowing younger athletes the opportunity to compete on a world stage and gain invaluable experience. Other MSI produced JFT stops included Telluride and Crested Butte, Colo.
“It was super fun, the snow was awesome,” said George. “There’s a really fun group of girls here that I’ve never skied with before so it was great to watch everyone’s run. I normally ski with a lot of people who compete on the Freeskiing World Tour so it’s really cool that I can do it at a junior level.”
Over 80 competitors spanned the two age categories and spectators were privy to an incredible show. Athletes threw down their best to impress the judges, parents, coaches and friends. Highlights included North Parker’s blind take-off 40-foot air, Miles Honens’ huge 30-foot spread eagle, and several competitors threw gigantic front and back flips.
It was an incredible showing of young talent in the industry and dozens of Backcountry.com Sickbird nominations were awarded to recognize the competitor with the most spirited competition run or runs, often involving super-human talent and agility. This stop’s Backcountry.com Sickbird award went to Johnny Collinson of Snowbird. Collinson had two incredible runs, which he skied remarkably fast and landed several massive airs with speed.
“I am usually one to do a flip, but for this comp I decided to take it easy, did some solid cliffs and it worked out,” said Ahrens. “This event is so awesome, so rad. This is the best snow I’ve ever competed on, by far.”
The Freeskiing World Tour continues with the second stop of the tour, the Subaru US Freeskiing Nationals through Saturday at Snowbird.
- Crested Butte: Feb 18-22, 2009
John Collinson: 2nd place
Run 1&2
1.North Parker 163USA Sun Valley 34.7532.6367.382
2.John Collinson 128USA Snowbird 33.533.1366.632
3.Brandon Clabaugh 180USA Crested Butte34.1332.566.634
4.Charles Gandolfo227USATamarack 32.533.2565.755
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