BY KAREN BOSSICK

Abe Gross scored first place in Slopestyle this past week as the USASA Competitive Freeski Season opened in Jackson Hole.

Five of Gross’s fellow Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation teammates also climbed the podium onto the second- and third-place steps.

It was their first slopestyle event of the year. Athletes competed in slopestyle and rail jam.

SVSEF Freeski Program Director Tyler Conway said the athletes delivered podium performances that reflected solid early season preparation, confidence, creativity and consistency. Their results set a positive tone moving forward as the athletes continue to build momentum, he added.

“It was great to see the athletes put their training into action this early in the season,” said Conway. “The level of riding, focus, and progression we saw throughout the weekend was a strong indicator of where the team is headed.”

SVSEF Athlete Results

Slopestyle

Barrett Beyer - 2nd place, Open Class

Abe Gross - 1st place, Age Class

Van Ericksen - 3rd place, Age Class

Trandon Smart - 3rd place, Age Class

Rail Jam

Kai Van Bueren - 2nd place, Open Class

Van Ericksen - 2nd place, Age Class

The Freeski team hosted a USASA competition at Dollar Mountain Saturday and Sunday.