Canadian freestyle skiers from across the country are in Whitehorse to compete in the sixth annual Yukon Canada Cup competition at Mount Sima, scheduled from Dec. 6-8.
Eighty-five athletes from Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, the Yukon and B.C. are registered to complete runs at the big air and slopestyle events, which involve athletes performing aerial tricks on the way down the course.
The Yukon Canada Cup begins as Mount Sima opens to the public for the winter season. The first two days of the competition feature qualifier events, where athletes compete in heats and are judged on their best of two runs to qualify for the finals on Dec. 8.
Qualifiers begin with the big air event, scheduled to take place in the lower park area of Mount Sima’s Coyote Run trail. An area on the sidelines will be designated for spectators to watch, according to Yukon Freestyle vice-president, Amber Hirsch
Skiers will descend the Coyote Run trail and launch off a ramp approximately 12 to 16 feet tall, performing aerial manoeuvres before landing to complete a run to qualify for the finals.
Slopestyle qualifiers are scheduled for the following day on the Coyote Run trail, which may be closed to the public from Dec. 7-8, according to Hirsch. Competitors will navigate slopes, bumps and jumps, with the option of grinding or clearing various rails throughout the course.
The Yukon Canada Cup finals are scheduled for Dec. 8. Judges will determine which athletes performed the most difficult manoeuvres with effortless execution.
Qualifiers and finals are set to take place between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The rules, guidelines and judging criteria adhere to the standards of Freestyle Canada, the national governing body for the sport. Freestyle Yukon, the local governing body for freestyle skiing in the territory, organized the event in partnership with Mount Sima.
“Freestyle Canada suggested to host here because we have so much snow. A lot of the teams come here for preseason and then stay for this competition.” Hirsch said.
Freestyle Canada requires all athletes to possess an up-to-date aerial qualification for jumps performed across all disciplines and to have a Freestyle Canada certified Air 4 Coach present.
Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere at the competition, with food and entertainment provided. An announcer will offer commentary on the freestyle performances from athletes across the country, said Freestyle Yukon’s president, Nick Hull.
Amenities include musical sets and food vendors throughout the competition.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
