Crazy Kids and Wild Snows at the Kicking Horse Junior Freeride National

Editor-in-Chief Mitchell Scott reports on one of the most competitive junior freeride ski competition’s on the continent. Lead photo: Maurmere.com

When it comes to insane terrain and a commitment to freeride competitions, no other resort in the Kootenays, in fact, North America for that matter, comes close to Golden, British Columbia’s home mountain. This last weekend at 2020 Kicking Horse 1FSA National 3 Star event was no exception. Touted as one of the most competitive junior freeride comps on the continent, over 200 kids from all over the West, from 7 to 18-years-old, descended for a wild four days of epic skiing, nutty weather and snow that didn’t seem to stop.

Above: One of the best things about junior freeride events is the camaraderie and support of both athletes and family. Everyone is a winner. Top photo: Whitewater Freeride Team athlete Mason Scott throws a massive 360 in the final of the Boys 15-18 Category. Photo: Maurmere.com

Known for their incredible alpine and gnarly ridgelines, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a solid 200-centimetre base this winter, with over 600 centimetres of snowfall to date. Add the over 50 centimetres of snow that fell during the event, which ran from January 30 to February 2, free runs in between official freeride made for a killer weekend.

With over 600 cms of snowfall to date, Kicking Horse is having a banner year, throw in some sun and you’re in shred heaven.

The resort immediately moved into stop #2 of the Freeride World Tour, pitting the world’s best male and female skiers and snowboarders on some of the most challenging slopes in North America. Look for a more comprehensive story on Kicking Horse’s freeride story in the 2020/21 winter edition of Kootenay Mountain Culture magazine.