Smokin' Aces Tour kicks off first stop of 2015 at Schweitzer
<p>A competitor throws down some tricks during last year’s Smokin’ Aces Slopestyle Tour, which is debuting at Schweitzer on Jan. 24. The Schweitzer stop is the first of three on the tour. (Courtesy photo)</p>
SANDPOINT — Get ready for a high-flying ski and snowboarding spectacle, as the 2015 Smokin’ Aces Tour rolls through North Idaho with a stop at Schweitzer Mountain Resort on Saturday, Jan. 24.
There will be plenty of big air and tricks, as the tour is dedicated to giving the youth in the region an opportunity to compete in slopestyle skiing and snowboarding events, while also being part of a tour format. Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels wi1-ll be coming from around the region to throw down their best tricks.
Whether competing for the right to call yourself the the 2015 Smokin’Aces Tour Champion, or just competing in a single slopestlyle event with no strings attached, the event has something for everyone.
Tour director Billy Marcial started the tour last year in Montana, and approached Schweitzer about hosting a stop, which they were more than happy to accommodate.
“There’s great talent, a great traveling competition base from Idaho, Montana and Canada,” says Marcial, noting spectators will be in for a treat. “Expect 50 plus foot jumps, flying, doing flips and spins. It’s cool for competitors and a great spectator sport, with lots of crashes.”
Schweitzer is the first stop on the amateur tour, with events also slated for Whitefish Mountain Resort and Big Sky Resort. The tour averages about 50 competitors per stop, with four divisions offered: 13 and under; 14-17 year-old; 18 and over; and for the top competitors, the open class.
There will be prizes for each division, including jackets, skis, winter gear and a host of other prizes. The event is a judged competition, with big air and rail features comprising the action.
“It’s directed toward giving the youth a platform for a tour. This is an opportunity for our young amateur athletes to gain the experience of taking part in a tour-based format and traveling to compete,” describes Marcial, noting the event is as much for the spectators as the competitors. “The open is the cream of the crop, and they compete for cash prizes.”
The event is sponsored by 7B Board Shop, Montana Ski Company and Great Northern Brewing.
The event is $35 for all age group divisions, and $40 for the open division. To sign up, visit “www.smokingaces.schweitzer.eventbrite.com.”
For more information, visit Facebook.com, Smoking Aces Freestyle.