US Freesking Nationals -Snowbird Utah

What an amazing event. Between rain in Europe and the "American Peso" I decided to fly home just in time to visit my friends from the IFSA and MSI and compete at the US Freeskiing Nationals. The women skied like men, ripping down the venue and stomping thirty foot cliff drops. It was sick. I don't know what these women have been doing this year, but the competition level was the highest I have ever seen. After three runs, I skied into third place. Next stop, Alyaska.

The competition results, photos, and webcast can be found on www.usfreeskiing.com. There will also be live coverage of Alyaska. Check it out!

O'Neill Extreme - Verbier

The Verbier O'Neill Extreme was the coolest event I have ever competed in. There were over 6000 people watching the event. The week was filled with interviews, poster signings, and powder skiing. The streets in Verbier are closed to traffic for the entire week. Vendors from all over set up booths filled with local foods and beverages. There were movie screens throughout the town so everyone could watch the competition and listen to athlete interviews.

The competition began with a bib draw in the middle of the town square. Music was bumping and thousands of people showed up for the entertainment. The bib draw was in front of a movie screen and as you were choosing your bib, a live interview played on the screen.

The competition was held on Mount Gele, which was a venue change due to massive slide on the Bec de Rosses. I skied off the right side of Mount Gele, ripping a fast fluid line. It was a bit conservative for me, but after falling in Tignes I wanted to ski a line that a I was comfortable and confident with. I finished 2nd for the day and 2nd for the Freeride World Tour.

For more information; photos, results, and webcasts, check out www.freerideworldtour.com.

Freeride World Tour - Tignes, France

Not the best comp for me. T o keep it brief, my flight was delayed by 24 hours due mechanical problems, my luggage was lost, I arrived in Tignes at 12:300 the night before the comp, skied on a pair of skiis that were not my own, kicked a shoe and tamahacked down the venue. As a result, I am now ranked second on the world tour, tailing by 300 points. Hopefully, I will be able to make the difference up in Verbier. The first possible comp day is set for friday. There is not a lot os snow in Europe, but there is a storm on the way. Hopefully, we will get pounded on.