The International Freeskiers Association (IFSA) 4 Star Freeride World Qualifier (and Northern Hemisphere Championships) went off last week from March 22 – 25 at Crystal Mountain Resort. Last week, FWQ skiers and riders put it all on the line on the Northway and Silver King venues for the season’s final competition, and their final chance to qualify for the Freeride World Tour. The weather delivered almost a foot of new snow—and surprisingly good visibility—as 120 athletes tackled the big airs, spines, and technical lines of Crystal Mountain.

On the Women’s Snowboard side, Kiana Putman edged out Erika Vikander for the win, followed by Germany’s Claudia Bings. On the Ski side, Tami Razinger came out on top, just ahead of Sydney Ricketts and followed by Spain’s Ione Gangoiti Perez for third place.

Tahoe’s Brian Bozak took the top spot on the Men’s Snowboard side, followed by Stephen Denmark in second and Blake Hamm in third. On the Ski side, Alta’s Andrew Pollard took the win, followed by Grifen Moler in second. Snowledge ambassadors Jed Kravitz and Brandon Craddock finished in third and fourth in Men’s Ski.

CONGRATS AND SPECIAL THANKS

Big congratulations to the athletes qualifying for the Freeride World Tour: Michelle Locke (Women’s Snowboard), Rachel Croft (Women’s Ski), Blake Hamm (Men’s Snowboard), and Trace Cooke, Berkeley Patterson, and Grifen Moler (Men’s Ski).

Special thanks to Crystal Mountain’s Chuck White for bringing so much energy and passion to the event, year in and year out. Chuck’s keen eye for the size of airs—along with his stoke for freeride skiing—is unbelievable, and brings the experience to a whole other level. Thanks also go out to the Snorting Elk for all of great vibes, great beers, and great music—it’s always a treat to come to Crystal and hang at the Elk.

What an unbelievable season; we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

2017 Crystal Mountain 4 Star Freeride World Qualifier | Snowledge