This is the first Freeride event at Whaleback, and the first ever in the state of New Hampshire. The turnout was strong with 46 male and female competitors in the two age divisions U12 and 12-14. Athletes and coaches from many resorts in addition to Whaleback participated, including West Mountain in NY, Berkshire East in MA, and Magic Mountain, Killington, Mad River Glen, Smugglers’ Notch, and Sugarbush from VT. Many of the athletes, coaches, and parents were skiing at Whaleback for the first time, and all feedback was positive! The venue was fun and the event was very well run. Because the event was so much fun there were many athletes who could have been selected for the Flyin Ryan awards, but two stood out for the following reasons.

U12 athlete Ryan Reed was smiling and appeared to be having fun during her competition run. Ryan smiled and waved as she skied past the judges and technical director located mid-course. The judges and TD selected Ryan as the female award recipient. Ryan’s home ski area is Whaleback Mountain.

 

U12 athlete Grayson Bishop was awake during the night before the competition with a fever and stomach bug. In the morning he told his dad that he still wanted to go to Whaleback and compete. While in the start area Grayson somehow had a positive attitude and stood out for spreading a positive vibe and encouraging his fellow athletes to have fun during their competition run. The start gate official and several coaches selected Grayson as the male award recipient. Grayson’s home ski area is Berkshire East in western MA.