11th Annual SMITH Whitewater Jr Freeski Open

Whitewater Ski Resort is a freeskier’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 skier.

“Sleeper” is a steep, technically challenging run that flows directly from the top of the Summit chair. Showcasing wild cliff drops, and big fluffy pillows, this run is sure to provide an exciting venue for junior freeskiers looking to stun the crowds. With ample opportunity for spectators at both the start and finish line, this run is sure to keep the competition stoke going.

“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 freeskiing 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.

Competitors will have the opportunity to ski in and around the potential venue locations in order to scope out line choices and familiarise themselves with the terrain.

9:00 am - 4:00 pm: Mandatory check-in and bib pick-up at Downtown Office (602 Lake Street)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Official Venue A Inspection Run (Sleeper)

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Official Venue B Inspection Run (Blast)

Selected athletes will ski through the chosen venue for the first day of the competition. One run per competitor, each will be scored within their appropriate age category based on the judging criteria listed previously. 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.

7:15 am: Guest Services/Freshies Coffee Bar Opens

7:30 am: Mandatory Athletes Meeting for 12-14 Male + Female

7:50 am: Early Lift Load

8:00 am - 8:45 am: Course Inspection (Sleeper)

9:00 am: Competition Starts

9:15 am - 3:30 pm: Qualifying Runs

2:00pm - 4:00pm: Courtesy check-in and bib pick-up at Guest Services (on resort)

Selected athletes will ski through the chosen venue for the first day of the competition. One run per competitor, each will be scored within their appropriate age category based on the judging criteria listed previously. 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.

7:15 am: Guest Services/Freshies Coffee Bar Opens

7:30 am: Mandatory Athletes Meeting for U12 Male + Female, 15-18 Male + Female

7:50 am: Early Lift Load

8:00 am - 8:45 am: Course Inspection (Sleeper)

9:00 am: Competition Starts

9:15 am - 3:30 pm: Qualifying Runs

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Banquet

The top scoring competitors from each category will compete. Each competitor will have one run at the second venue location. Skiers 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. All athletes are invited to attend the awards ceremony and photo recap. 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 raffle draw prizes. The awards will be the last segment of the event following the final day of competition.

7:15 am: Guest Services/Freshies Coffee Bar Opens

7:30 am: Mandatory Athletes Meeting for Finalists

7:50 am: Early Lift Load

8:00 am - 8:45 am: Course Inspection (Blast)

9:00 am: Competition Starts

9:15 am - 3:00 pm: Final Runs

3:00 pm: Awards Ceremony (outside off the Bar deck or Day Lodge upstairs)

All competitors must complete both the Whitewater & IFSA Athlete Waivers prior to the start of competition. Both waivers can be found below:

Whitewater Waiver

IFSA Athlete Waiver

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to Cassie Gibbons, our Events & Content Coordinator at events@skiwhitewater.com!