Sandpoint Freeskier Mullen takes third at B.C.

Sandpoint freeskier Caleb Mullen finished third last Thursday and Friday at the Canadian Freeskiing Championships at Red Resort in Rossland, British Columbia.

It was the first of seven events and he earned points for the North American Freestyle Tour, as well as $1000 in prize money. Mullen had finished as high as fourth in previous competitions, but Saturday was his first appearance on the podium. The next event on the tour is at Snowbird, Utah in two weeks.

Freeskiing is an extreme form of skiing with natural terrain, cliffs, and speeds reaching upwards of 40 miles per hour. There are no gates or formal courses — skiiers often take aggressive lines with huge drops to impress the judges. Freeskiiers are judged on five categories : Line choice, control, fluidity, technique and aggression.

Born in Bonners Ferry, the 29 year-old Mullen has lived in Sandpoint for a long time and is currently employed by Schweitzer Resort. He works as a groomer from midnight to 8 a.m., enabling him to ski during the day.

"Caleb Mullen is the best skier on the Mountain," says Sandpoint resident Owen Mullen, a freestyle mogul skier back in the 70's who helps coach his son in the adrenalized sport.