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Escarpment Magaz ine Winter
2012
ONE
of the biggest challenges for Freeskiing athletes in Ontario is getting the chance
to compete on the World stage. Finally our athletes have a unique opportunity to
qualify for the biggest of big leagues on our own turf. The North Face and Utah
based Sports Marketing experts Mountain Sports International announce the tour
that helped several virtually unknown athletes qualify for the 2011Winter X Games
is coming to Blue Mountain Resort: The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series ar-
rives at Blue January 12-15.
“We are extremely excited to host The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series,”
said Paul Pinchbeck, Director of Marketing at Blue Mountain Resorts Limited. “It’s
an honour to host such a high caliber event, especially with the recent addition of
Freeskiing to the Olympic Games. Blue Mountain has been a leader in embracing
the growth of this sport and our renowned Badland’s Terrain Park will be the ideal
setting for local athletes to showcase their talents.”
The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series features one day of Halfpipe competi-
tion with a two-day Slopestyle event. Judging is based on overall impression as well
as creativity, degree of difficulty, combinations, variations, style, and amplitude. The
Tour stop at Blue Mountain Resort boasts a prize purse over $20,000 and will be
the last event that the 2012 Winter X Games athlete selection committee will con-
sider when choosing invitees.
The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series works in conjunction with the Association
of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) on judging, with AFP General Manager and X
Games competitor Steele Spence serving as head judge for the series. "I'm proud
to be involved in this event as both head judge and AFP representative. Open events
have an important history in our sport, allowing up-and-coming amateurs to compete
alongside top level pros, and this is why the AFP is excited to get behind this partic-
ular series,” said Spence.
Other stops include Northstar Resort, CA, and Waterville Valley, NH.
For more information, and to register please visit
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escarpment
EVENTS
North Face Park and Pipe Open Series - Blue Mountain - January 12-15
STORY | CARA WILLIAMS PHOTOS | COURTESY: BARB HAMBLETT MSI