LAKE LOUISE – For the past 16 years, Lake Louise Ski Resort has been offering up a taste test to anyone interested in freeriding its most challenging terrain with its Big Mountain Challenge.
This year, Banff resident and snowboard hero Sue Shih is hoping to challenge anyone interested in seeing how they stack up against the professionals to join her on the slopes Friday (Feb. 22) for the event.
“For myself, my mentality is you go out and ride as much as you can, be the best rider you can be and as strong as you can be in any conditions – that is how I ride day-to-day,” Shih said.
Freeriding is open to categories of male and female skiers and snowboarders. Competitors are judged in categories like choice of line taken, how fluid the ride is, technique and style for example.
On the weekend (Feb. 23-24), the ski hill then hosts the official Lake Louise Freeride World Qualifier for athletes registered on the freeride tour who are competing for points.
But for the Big Mountain Challenge, any rider over 18 years old can register and compete, getting a chance at the terrain the pros will challenge over the following two days.
It is a challenge that Shih has taken on, having participated in her first Big Mountain Challenge as a goal for the year she turned 40 in 2013. Since her first time in the challenge, she has made it onto the podium twice with a second and third place finish.
She said she hopes more skiers and boarders interested in freeriding becomes aware of the opportunity to take on this challenge, as it can deliver big rewards. She would also like to see more women from the Bow Valley register and get involved.
“For me, I want to promote this event because it is something that builds confidence,” Shih said. “It was a personal goal [to compete the first time] and with the Lake Louise Big Mountain Challenge what I actually really like is it is a relaxed environment … and everyone is so encouraging of each other.”
Several competitors currently on the freeride circuit like Michelle Locke started out taking on the Big Mountain terrain and were able to make it to the next level. Shih said the key is to get out on the mountain and work hard.
“There are always things you can improve upon,” Shih said. “All the riders and the skiers – everybody is in the same boat. We do this because we love it and would love to include as many people as we can.”
Go to www.skilouise.com to find out more about the challenge on Friday and the weekend’s Freeride World Qualifier.
