El Colorado, Chile, August 22, 2010—Yesterday in El Colorado, Chile, ski patrol opened up the entire south slope of Max’s Face, making the already enormous venue even larger. The added terrain allowed the 35 finalists more space and potential for bigger and more creative lines.


The top five women were separated by less than two points, making for a fiercely competitive final. Jess McMillan and Angel Collinson both skied aggressive, fluid lines showing the world why women’s competitive skiing is on the radar, edging out first day leader Clare Burns who chose to ski a conservative line.
“The venue offered so many possibilities and after yesterday I knew I had a better run in me and today I was able to capitalize on my line choice,†said today’s winner Jess McMillan.


The men’s finals started off with Japanese kamikaze Yu Sasaki setting the tone for the men by amping up the speed and taking more chances with larger airs. The variable snow conditions claimed some of the top finishers from yesterday, including day-one leader Griffin Post, but wasn’t able to tame the likes of Drew Stoeklein, Mathieu Imbert and local favorite Chopo Diaz who finished first, second, and third, respectively. When asked about his performance today, men’s champion Stoecklein responded, “I sent it on the hill and I am going to send it at the party tonight.â€
The Backcountry.com Sickbird Award went to French newcomer Mathieu Imbert for his progressive line that included both stylish skiing and aggressive big airs.
“I am so excited to ski in Chile and ski this venue. It offered so many opportunities to merge freestyle and big mountain and that is what I am out to do with my skiing,†said Imbert.
Next on tap for the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour is a 17-hour bus ride to beautiful Las Leñas, Argentina for stop #2 of the 2010 FWT.
For a complete schedule of events and to register, please visit www.freeskiingworldtour.com.
