ROSSLAND, B.C. – The Canadian Open Freeskiing Championship returns to RED Mountain Resort this January for a ninth year of spectacular big mountain freeskiing action. Skiers in Junior and Open Senior categories will compete on RED’s diverse and challenging terrain in what promises to be another epic championship.

The event also boasts a new presenting sponsor, Stikeman Elliott LLP. “We welcomed the opportunity to sponsor the Canadian Open Freeskiing Championship,” said Ross MacDonald, Managing Partner of Stikeman Elliott’s Vancouver office. “Supporting Canadian athletes in local events coincides with the firm’s overall commitment to strengthen the communities we work and live in.”

RED Mountain Resort’s General Manager, Erik Kalacis is delighted that the event continues to be a huge favorite amongst athletes, spectators, the industry, staff and sponsors. “We are truly grateful for Stikeman Elliott’s participation as Presenting Sponsor. With their support and that of our other sponsors, the event continues to reign as Canada’s premiere freeskiing championship.”

Qualifiers and Junior Finals will take place on a widened Links Line adjacent to RED’s Motherlode Chairlift. The Open Senior Finals will move to the legendary Mount Roberts, featuring some of the best freeskiing terrain in North America and one of the longest, most challenging venues on the Big Mountain Freeskiing competition circuit. The event starts with the Junior competition January 15-16, followed by the Open Senior competition January 21-23. A handsome cash purse will be awarded to the top Open Senior skiers.

Athletes will be judged on line choice, fluidity, technique, aggression and control. Jeff Holden will lead the team of judges as Head Judge. For spectators, RED offers excellent viewing of the competition venues to watch skiers ripping the steeps and taking huge air.

The event is dedicated to Captain Jack Carey, the competition’s Event Director for the last 8 years, who died tragically in a road cycling accident this summer. A memorial to honor Captain Jack will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday Jan. 23 at the top of RED’s new run “Captain Jack’s Trees”. This run was cut in memory of Captain Jack, on terrain that Jack loved to ski.

The event is sponsored in part by The Friends of Jack Carey, Kokanee, Elan Skis, Fresh Skis, Smith Optics, I/O, Dakine and SBC Skier Magazine. Registration for the Senior Open event is limited to skiers 19 years and older. The Junior event is open to skiers aged 7-18. For registration and event information, please visit www.canadianfreeskiing.com or phone RED Mountain Resort at (800) 663-0105.