fbpx
World Ski and Snowboard Festival Slopestyle 2014

See 29 photos from a fog-riddled AFP World Champs slopestyle contest

See 29 photos from a fog-riddled AFP World Champs slopestyle contest

[juicebox gallery_id=”6″]

 

Sunday’s AFP World Champs slopestyle contest was a bit of a wash, on account of fog. That’s not entirely fair to say, as the women were at least able to complete a two-run final—though, given the tough visibility and the high frequency of weather holds, I’m certain the competitors were not able to perform to their highest level.

On the men’s side, a two-run semifinal was held in the morning. Again, with frequent weather holds. Dense, dense fog. Following the conclusion of that preliminary round, the ladies’ final was held. A few competitors would drop, then, we’d pause. Once visibility was deemed manageable (for both the skiers’ safety, and also so that the judges could see, and adequately score, all of the features), they’d send a few more. Then, pause.

Ultimately, as time kept ticking, event organizers were forced to cancel the men’s final. Thus, scores from the morning’s semifinal round carried over, and were marked as the final, as is the norm in this situation.

All in all: It was a tough break for the competitors, who were looking to close out the 2013/14 competitive season on a high note. And if there was a high note on the day, it was certainly the fact that a few of the field walked away with some cash, and notable contest results to their names.

On the ladies’ side, it was Nikki Blackall who took top honors. Blackall’s top score came on her second and final drop. In the midst of the women’s second runs, there was a particularly lengthy delay; all but three of the girls had completed a second go-round, and we waited for what must have been 30 minutes before those last three would have a chance to ski. Among them: Blackall.

Behind Blackall on the podium were Anouk Purnelle-Faniel, in second and Cassie Sharpe, third.

For the men, it was young Evan McEachran who earned himself his first major contest win, and $6,000 to boot.

Bobby Brown finished second; it was his second silver medal performance in as many days, the first coming on Saturday night amid the Gibbons Life big air. And taking third, Jossi Wells.

The podium finishers were recognized on stage in Whistler Village Square, immediately following the conclusion of a performance by The Wailers. A massive crowd had gathered to enjoy the show, and to celebrate the date: 4/20. There was a different kind of fog in the air above the village…

And once the awards had been dished out, we raced off to Bearfoot Bistro: the annual AFP dinner and awards banquet on the docket. Photos coming soon. For now, please enjoy the smattering of images above, snapped throughout the day, Sunday.

Related: Jesper Tjäder wins 2014 AFP World Champs big air; see photos here

Upgrade Your Inbox

Don't waste time seeking out the best skiing content; we'll send it all right to you.

Comments are closed.