Ah, qualifiers. One of the most dreaded days at a contest. The preliminary, or semifinal, rounds at an event oftentimes bring on anxiety and a general sense of worriedness to many competitors. And today, the superpipe men and women were lucky enough to get that feeling. Under a gray-turned-sunny sky and warm day at Snowbasin Ski Resort, the Winter Dew Tour held its Superpipe qualifiers. This stop—the third and final of the 2011/12 WDT—five women and ten men would advance to tomorrow's final event. And today, it was Devin Logan and David Wise who qualified at the top of the pack, in women's and men's, respectively.

The day kicked off with the women, with a number of females taking to the stunt ditch. While there is still a strong disparity between the top few women and the rest of the pack, the fact that a Dew Cup is on the line motivated many. Devin Logan, whose stylish 540s and flare put her on top, is currently sitting in second in the Superpipe Dew Cup standings. Second place qualifier Rosalind Groenewoud took her signature lofty straight air to right 900 to the bank once again. Brita Sigourney, who has been on a tear lately, rounded out the top three, having the most consistent amplitude throughout her run. She also included the 900, a 540 and a 720, securing her place in finals. Ayana Onozuka and Anais Caradeux rounded out the five women who will advance.

Simon Dumont on his skiing today.

Killington's winner, Maddie Bowman, is prequalified into tomorrow's round, as she'll seek her first back-to-back wins and Dew trophy. But like any other qualifier day, not everyone advances, with some bigger names missing out. Canadians Megan Gunning and Keltie Hansen couldn't quite keep it together, leaving them on the outside looking in. Mirjam Jaeger and Keri Herman both failed to qualify, as well. But the stage is set and the six women will look to impress judges tomorrow afternoon.

On the men's side of things, David Wise showed the flashes of brilliance we saw at X (minus a switch double 1080), to snag top honors. He was skiing well, maintaining the highest airs of the contest today. Thomas Krief, who has been quiet of late, came on with his signature smooth style, grabbing the second spot, while Gus Kenworthy took third, with the help of his double flatspin 1080. 

Simon Dumont, who has been kept off the Dew podiums this year, skied well and managed a fourth place result, utilizing multiple doubles and alley oop spins. Matt Margetts was dropping hammers—down the pipe flatspins and alley oop double flatspins—and was rewarded with a handy fifth place spot. The French connections continued with Benoit Valentin, whose double cork 1260 tail grab is a big hit with everyone.

Mike Riddle on the conditions of the superpipe today.

Mike Riddle overcame a fall first run to snag sixth, with the help of his friends, switch left 900 and switch right 900. Mr. Dependable, Tucker Perkins, ended up seventh, with his technically proficient style and rock solid consistency. Eighth belonged to Jossi Wells, making his first Dew final this season, with a monster switch 720 shifty and pipe double 900. Also making his first Dew final this year was AJ Kemppainen who ended up tenth. 

And like the women, the men had to leave some solid skiers in the dust. Guys like X Games silver medalist Noah Bowman and former X Games gold medalist Xavier Bertoni; they couldn't quite stomp a run today. Old guard Dan Marion and Peter Olenick just missed out on finals, but good to see those boys back and riding well. Dual threat Joss Christensen, who made finals in Killington, had a tough day, too. However, the 10 qualifiers will meet prequalified Kevin Rolland and Torin Yater-Wallace, in tomorrow night's finals. The action starts with the women at 5:00 PM MST.