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Whistler, British Columbia
 Audio Interviews
They call it "new school", but Led Zeppelin blared from a turntable at the finish line during today's qualifiers for the 2nd Annual Canadian Freeskiing Championships. It was loud and clear. Okay, they were remixes, but today 70 athletes skied a qualifying run with hopes to join pre-qualified heavies such as last year's champion Gordy Peifer, World Extreme champion Chris Davenport (back from an injury last year), Whistler ripper Wendy Brookbank (it ain't her first time here) and last year's champions from the World Extremes in Valdez: Euros Francine Moreillon from Switzerland and Arnaud Adam from France. The snow is thin and landing zones aren't pleasant. Organizers pointed out during the pre-comp meeting that wise choices for lines will be rewarded by the judges. Smart skiing will be important on the "Chainsaw Ridge" of the Extreme Couloir during tomorrow's two runs. Eighteen women and 75 men will be whittled down to 30 competitors by the end of the day for the chance to ski in the final round on Thursday. "It's thin, but people will be going off. I know I will," said Tina Fraccola from Summit County, Colorado. Competitors will be judged on the following International Freeskier Association (IFSA) guidelines: line choice (degree of difficulty), control, fluidity, technique and aggressiveness. Today's top finishers included Todd Graham of Coutenay, Canada; Brian Riff from Park City, UT; former Olympian, mogul skier James Moran; Doug Ward and Cameron Vigil. In the women's division, Linda Peterson of Sandy, UT swept the qualifiers. Other women to watch include Kirsty Exner, who won the freeskiing contest in Red Mountain, BC last year, and Shamai Mushen from Crested Butte, Colorado. Last year's winner Alison Gannet, also of Crested Butte, is not competing this year. There is an incredible amount of talent and expression here. Even Dean Cummings is back in the competition. Last year's biggest huckster on Day 2, Jeff Holden from Fernie, BC (he was 5th in '98) is back for more. US Extreme Skiing Champion Rex Wehrman will try to beat his 2nd place from last year. Other men to watch include James Bond stuntman, 45-year-old John Eaves from Calgary and his buddy Doug Ward, 39, who has the most first descents in Canada. Who said this is new school? That's just a marketing strategy. The list of contenders goes on, but see for yourself. Stay tuned for the full story with pics and interviews over the coming days. — Michelle Quigley, on hard pack for The Mountain Zone
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