SMITH Jr Freeride Open
January 9-12, 2025
Whitewater Ski Resort is proud to host the 13th Annual SMITH Jr Freeride Open on January 9-12, 2025. This competition is one of the premiere opportunities for up and coming skiers and riders from BC, Alberta, and the Pacific Northwest to compete in big mountain freeriding.
Skiers and riders are rewarded for using the terrain creatively and are scored based on line choice, fluidity, style, control, and aggressiveness as they navigate through black and double black terrain featuring cliffs, airs, moguls, and anything else the mountain can throw at them. The terrain chosen has a designated start location, left and right boundaries, and a finish line. Where competitors go is totally up to them.
The Venue
Whitewater Ski Resort is a freerider’s dream, nestled beneath Ymir peak, our terrain is truly unparalleled. With chutes, cliffs, glades, and bowls galore, there’s something for every style of freerider.
“The Blast” is the quintessential Whitewater run. There is no better way to showcase your talent than by hucking cliffs directly under the Summit Chair. The majority of the run can be viewed from either the main lodge, or the chairlift itself, making it a spectator's dream. Catch your local shredders sending big airs while you ride the chairlift up.
The discipline of freeriding is all about self expression. We designed our course using the natural terrain for competitors to ride technical lines and score the most points. This IFSA accredited competition scores competitors across five categories: line choice, control, technique, fluidity, and style & energy.
Wednesday, January 8 Pre-Comp
3:00pm - 6:00pm: Check-in and bib pick-up for local athletes at the Whitewater Downtown Office
Thursday, January 9 Pre-Comp
Competitors will have the opportunity to ski and ride in and around the potential venue locations in order to scope out line choices and familiarise themselves with the terrain.
9:00am - 5:00pm: Mandatory check-in and bib pick-up at the Whitewater Downtown Office
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Official Venue A Inspection Run (Sleeper)
2:00pm - 3:00pm: Official Venue B Inspection Run (Blast)
Friday, January 10 U12 Ski, U12 Snowboard, U15 Snowboard, & U19 Snowboard
Selected athletes will ski through the chosen venue for the 1st day of the competition. One run per competitor, each will be scored within their appropriate age category based on the judging criteria. Qualifiers' results will be placed in the order of highest score to lowest, and the start list will be created for the final day of competition.
7:15am: Guest Services on-mountain opens
7:15am: Fresh Tracks Café & Freshies Coffee Bar open
7:30am: Mandatory Athletes Meeting for U12 Ski, U12 Snowboard, U15 Snowboard, & U19 Snowboard
7:50am: Early Lift Load
8:00am - 8:45am: Course Inspection (Venue Location: Sleeper)
9:00am: Competition Start
9:15am - 3:30pm: Qualifying Runs
2:00pm - 4:00pm: Courtesy check-in and bib pick-up at Guest Services on-mountain (only if arranged in advance)
Saturday, January 11 U15 Ski & U19 Ski
Selected athletes will ski or ride through the chosen venue for the 2nd day of the competition. One run per competitor, each will be scored within their appropriate age category based on the judging criteria. Qualifiers' results will be placed in the order of highest score to lowest, and the start list will be created for the final day of competition. All athletes are invited to attend the Banquet and slideshow to showcase all of the weekend’s great competitors.
7:15am: Guest Services on-mountain opens
7:15am: Fresh Tracks Café & Freshies Coffee Bar open
7:30am: Mandatory Athletes Meeting for U15 Ski & U19 Ski
7:50am: Early Lift Load
8:00am - 8:45am: Course Inspection (Venue Location: Sleeper)
9:00am: Competition Start
9:15am - 3:30pm: Qualifying Runs
4:00pm - 6:00pm: Banquet
7:00pm: Results of Qualifiers released on Jr Freeride Event Page
Sunday, January 12 Finals
The top scoring competitors from each category will compete with one run at the second venue location. Skiers and riders will be scored based on the same judging criteria as outlined previously. The competitors' two day total score (Qualifiers + Finals) will determine the overall placing in each category. Following the final day of competition, all athletes are invited to attend the awards ceremony to close out the event. This aprés event is designed for competitors to connect and relive the event. Awards will be handed out for 1st-3rd place of each finals category. There will be food and beverages available, as well as raffle draw prizes.
7:15am: Guest Services on-mountain opens
7:15am: Fresh Tracks Café & Freshies Coffee Bar open
7:30am: Mandatory Athletes Meeting for all category Finalists
7:50am: Early Lift Load
8:00am - 8:45am: Course Inspection (Venue Location: Blast)
9:00am: Competition Start
9:15am - 2:00pm: Final Runs
3:00pm: Awards Ceremony (outside off the Bar deck or Day Lodge upstairs)
4:00pm: Bib Return at Guest Services on-mountain
Contact
Rehannon Kramer
Events Coordinator
Jr Freeski 2023
Thank you to our incredible Sponsors
Accommodation Partners
Jr Freeride Registration Cancellation Policy:
- More than 2 weeks before competition start: 100% refund minus LiveHeats fees
- 1-2 weeks before competition start: 50% refund minus LiveHeats fees
- Less than 1 week before competition start: no refund
- Event cancellation due to weather: no refund
Athletes must register ahead of the event. Day-of registration will not be possible.
We're looking for volunteers for the 13th Annual SMITH Whitewater Jr Freeride Open on January 9-12, 2025!
Immerse yourself in the heart of the action and witness the incredible skills of young freeskiers and freeriders. You can come help out with the athletes for one day, two days, or all three! Volunteers will be provided a free lunch, free shuttle transport, and a transferable day ticket to the hill to be used at your discretion. For more info on the positions available, reach out to !