The senior portion of the North Face Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships kicked off yesterday at Red Mountain.
Yesterday, over 70 athletes from as far away as Europe attempted to tackle Link's Line rocky drops. Because it is an 'open' event, anyone 19 and over can enter, though freeskiing skills are a requirement.
Today's semi-finals and tomorrow's finals take place on the adjacent Mount Roberts.
Mika Hakkola, RED Mountain Resort’s Marketing and Communications Manager, said this year's event was even stronger than last year.
"We’ve got a great group competing.” Hakkola said, adding that it's exciting to have the remainder of the competition in “side country” terrain.
“Side country” is defined as back country terrain that is easily accessed from a ski area. Skiing in the side country terrain of Mount Roberts offers advanced skiing with access to Paradise Chair. Mount Roberts is a part of Red Mountain Resort’s Controlled Recreational Area.
Athletes are required to have back country safety equipment to compete on Mount Roberts.
The senior event will see a cash purse of $10,000 up for grabs.
For more information on the Freeskiing Championships go to www.canadianopenfreeskiing.com.