The North Face, partner of U.S. Freeskiing, has announced plans to strengthen its dedication to the freeskiing industry by supporting the development of U.S. Freeskiing’s new 10-member Rookie Team. The new Rookie Team allows members to train with expert coaches including Ben Verge (halfpipe) and DJ Montigy (slopestyle). Not only do these teen athletes have the chance to train with some of the best coaches, but the confidence gained will increase their skills and competition level in both halfpipe and slopestyle skiing, with the goal of eventually making the U.S. Freeskiing Pro Team.
The North Face also continues to support freeskiing at the highest level. Two-time X Games medalist, Maddie Bowman, was just added to The North Face global team. Bowman recently took gold in the superpipe at X Games Aspen and additional wins at the Visa U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix events at both Copper Mountain and Park City—earning her a national title.
“Since the beginning of the freeskiing movement, The North Face has maintained an ongoing commitment to helping elevate the sport to the global stage,” said Mike Jaquet, CMO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. “Not only is the company helping the U.S. Freeskiing’s Pro and Rookie Teams and individual athletes such as, Tom Wallisch, Devin Logan, Chris Laker, and Carson LeHouillier, but they also continue to expand and improve their own freeskiing tour.”
“The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series has been a great opportunity for us to continue our commitment to growing the sport of freeskiing,” said Aaron Carpenter, vice president of marketing for The North Face.
The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series (PPOS) has identified itself as a pipeline for amateur athletes looking to improve their own skill level and gain recognition to hopefully qualify for more competitive events. Alexander Ferreira of Aspen, CO, and Annalisa Drew of Andover, MA, are two recently admitted members of the Rookie Team and earned top honors at the PPOS stop in Whistler, gaining automatic entry into the X Games.
