Odyssey MountainThompson Pass, AK [click to zoom] |
DAY 1: Euros Rip
DAY 2: McGovern Survives Fall
DAY 3: Europeans Take Titles
World Extremes Preview
Thursday, April 2, 1998
The beautiful shores of Prince William Sound lap lightly at the doorstep of Valdez where the roster of 36 competitors is set for the first of three days at the World Extremes (WESC). We started out at the Elks Lodge to settle in for our cybercast. Our host Roy told stories of waxing his new skis with Pledge when the nearby shops ignored his request for hot wax. Granted it was back in the early 80's, but all I can say is —look out Swix.
"Will you be having your drink?," the bar maid asked Roy. Let's just say this small town spirit doesn't seem to have suffered yet in spite of heavies who gather here for the spring skiing in the rugged Chugach Mountains.
They're here. The Westmark, Totem and other local hotels and parking lots are full with the best free skiers in the world. They'll sign waivers and take their destiny into their own hands tomorrow for a heli ride to the top of one of three possible venues at Thompson Pass, 30-some miles outside of Valdez. Rumor has it that mile 40 1/2, Wilbur's Peak, will be the stage for Day 1 of three total days of competition. Ain't no pot of gold in this mother of all extreme contests, but the reward is a spot as the best among the most elite competitive free skiers.
Weather and safety specialists will determine ultimately where the contest will begin. Competitors do not know literally until the last minute where they'll be skiing. Snow safety evaluation and weather are huge considerations in determining the course. There is currently an enormous low pressure system hanging over Alaska which may challenge race organizers during the weekend. Athletes will get one fly-by peek at the course before they're dropped off at the top of their run.
The venues could be as much as 4,000 vertical feet during the following days, but typical runs will average around 1,500 feet, according to Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director of WESC.
How to Score
How do judges score how well an athlete free skis? There's a starting point, an ending point, maybe some cliffs, air, obstacles... judging could potentially be an ambiguous challenge. There are seven judges who each score on five criteria worth 10 points each for a total possibile 50 points per run. The high and low scores are thrown out and the remaining five scores are averaged together.
Areas of ranking and criteria include:
Aggressiveness/attack - energy with which a skier attacks his or her chosen line.
Form/technique - particular style, looking good — without set standards or norms.
Fluidity - constant direction toward a goal including continuity, pace and smooth transitions of course sections.
Line Choice - the degree of difficulty that the competitor chooses and how well they ski it.
Control - skiers must remain in control. If a competitor falls they lose control, but a skillful recovery will reduce the penalty. Lost equipment must be recovered before continuing a run.
Europeans Like It
Europe based Red Bull, sponsor of the Red Bull Snow Thrill free skiing contest in Chamonix, France, pulled through as a title sponsor for WESC a week before the event — a precedent for big bucks for these folks in AK. WESC is now co-titled The Red Bull Snow Thrill of Alaska.
"This is the first year for a WESC title sponsor," explained McIntyre. "Prior years have been funded through the city and local businesses. This year WESC put the marketing and production aspect up for bid and pursued programming. Jens Hoffmann, Director of the Chamonix event called me and within a day and a half they began moving on this to put the deal together."
The deal will broadcast this contest to an expected 9.6 million homes, 200 million viewers in 45 countries in 15 languages. Not bad exposure. As for the US fans — if you're not here you'll have to wait. Sponsorship and support are slow-going in the US compared with Europe.
"Skiing is a national sport in Europe. Ski instructors there are like college professors. The ski industry here in the states has been down for years but they're beginning to come around and these free skiing competitions are really where it's at," McIntyre said.
The competition is being filmed by Planet Watch for airing on the Eurosport sports television station after the event and on ESPN2 in the states.
Safety
The WESC all-star safety team includes pro patrollers and rescuers from Crested Butte, CO; Taos, NM; Alpine Meadows, CA; Jackson Hole, WY; and Alyeska Resort, AK. Moon Pie and his handler are the avalanche sniffers from Jackson Hole. The safety team has experience in high angle rescues from mountains such as Denali and will perform snow safety evaluation and rescue resourses for all venues. [Click to hear our interview with Media Safety Coordinator Brian Teale]
The new elimination format this year will limit the final day of competition to four women and 15 men after no less than three runs over the first two days (preferably four runs if the weather cooperates, two runs each day) in an effor to reduce risk and exposure.
List of Competitors
Women Heidi Van Winkle, Teton Village, WY Chris Hutcheson, Aspen, CO Raphaelle Monod, (to come) A.J. Cargill, Teton Village, WY Wendy Fisher, Crested Butte, CO Francine Moreillon, Switzerland Kirsten Kremer, Rialto, CA Alison Gannett, Crested Butte, CO Men Brant Moles, Park City, UT Scott Aitkens, Rossland, BC Dave "Swany" Swanwick, Crested Butte, CO Miles Raney, (home base to come) Jason Prigge, Jackson, WY Daisuke Sasaki, Japan Robbie Rollins, Anchorage, AK Jon Johnston, (to come) Stephane Tchiknavorian, Avignon, France Seb Michaud, La Clusaz, France Stephane Dan, Chamonix, France Henrik Sjohlom, Boras, Sweden Arnaud Adam, Chamonix, France Gordy Peifer, Salt Lake City, UT Anders Norin, Chamonix, France Curt Clemetson, (to come) Jesse Tol, Valdez, AK John Dill, Truckee, CA Geoff Small, New Zealand Brian Swinson, Taos, NM Aaron McGovern, Lake Tahoe, CA Dean Conway, Lake Tahoe, CA Greg Morris, Anchorage, AK Chris Murphy, Montana Chris Anthony, Edwards, CO Matt Belleville, Rossland, BC Jesper Ronnback, Sweden Rex Wehrman, Dillion, CO
— Michelle Quigley, Mountain Zone Staff