Local snowboarders excel at national freeride competition
From left, Maddie Hall, Owen Miller, coach Adam Hall, and Max Taylor hike to the start of Crystal Mountain's finals venue, 'The Throne', which sits at 6,600 feet of elevation.
(Courtesy Photo)
From left, Maddie Hall, Owen Miller and Max Taylor show off their awards after placing in their respective age divisions at Crystal Mountain Resort's freeriding competition last week.
ENUMCLAW, Wash. — Four local youth snowboarders, who all race for Snowboard Northwest, placed at the 2024 Crystal Mountain IFSA Junior 3 series meet held Feb. 20-23 at Crystal Mountain Resort.
Maddie Hall and Owen Miller of Sandpoint, Drew Falcone of Spokane, and Max Taylor of Coeur d’Alene put it all on the line at last week’s national freeride competition. At the competition, snowboarders were judged in a variety of categories that showcased their judgment and skill on big mountain freeriding terrain. The following categories determined the final score: line choice, control, fluidity, technique, style, and energy.
When it was time for action, these four local standouts rose to the challenge, choosing difficult lines that provided significant airtime — all while holding on and remaining in control.
Miller finished first in the U15 boys' division after posting 28.30 points on his first run, and 29.50 on his second for a total of 57.80 points. Hall (U19 women's) and Taylor (U19 men's) both finished a solid second in their respective age divisions. Hall scored a 25.47 on her first run and 28.93 on her second to finish with 54.40 points, only three-tenths of a point behind first place. Taylor totaled 58.63 points after posting a 29.20 on his first run, and 29.43 on his second. Falcone finished in seventh place overall in the U19 boys' division.
These stellar finishes will certainly boost the snowboarders’ overall rankings, hopefully earning them the right to compete at the 2024 IFSA Junior Freeride Championship, the largest gathering of competitive free riders in the world, set to be held April 6-14 in Breckenridge, Colo. At the junior championships, the overall champion of North and South America will be crowned and invitations to the world championship will be earned.
In the meantime, these local snowboarders will continue to compete at various events, including IFSA Junior Regionals which will be held Mar. 16-17 at Schweitzer.
From left, Maddie Hall, Owen Miller and Max Taylor show off their awards after placing in their respective age divisions at Crystal Mountain Resort's freeriding competition last week.