By Doug Hare EBS SPORTS EDITOR
Ski
season might be an afterthought in the middle of the summer for most, but Big
Sky’s most talented skiers and riders take advantage of the fact that Montana
boasts North America’s only summer-specific ski destination, Beartooth Basin
Summer Ski Area, located 23 miles south of Red Lodge.
The
Beartooth Basin IFSA FWQ 2* Summer Shredfest, held June 18-22, technically
marks the beginning of the 2020 freeride season, and numerous Big Sky athletes
return to the top of the Beartooth Highway every June to get some turns and
test their mettle on a uniquely difficult venue featuring massive cornices,
cliffs and chutes.
“The
Summer Shredfest is an epic weeklong celebration of ski culture and competition
in the heart of some of the most spectacular terrain in North America,” said
Pete Manka, former BSSEF freeride coach who also judged the event.
“You
never know what the weather will be like. It’s a short and steep venue, so you
have to use as many features as possible. We even got to use a little bit of
the park this year. It was awesome to hit a rail in my final run,” said Blaise
Ballantyne, who finished in second place in his first competition in the 12-14
age bracket for male skiers by putting down multiple smooth 360s.
Ballantyne
finished behind Preston Smith, another BSSEF freeride athlete who is no
stranger to finding podium spots at IFSA competitions. Preston’s older brother
Andrew finished in second place in the 15-18 male skier division. The Smith
brothers split their time between a ranch in North Dakota and Big Sky during
the winter months.
“We
lucked out with the weather and had two full days of sunshine and perfect corn
on the venue,” said BSSEF Coach Wallace Casper. “What I’m most excited about is
that almost every Big Sky athlete increased their score on the second day
meaning they were skiing at the best of their abilities. Very excited to see
what these kids do this coming season.”
In the
adult division, the Samuels brothers continued to prove that they are some of
the most exciting skiers and riders on the freeride qualifying circuit. “We
headed to the Beartooths to have some fun and ski in the summer. Pretty hyped
about how things ended up. It’s a super relaxed competition put on by some good
people. I’m looking to have a blast traveling around next year.” said Chase
Samuels, a rising senior at Montana State University who finished in second
place in the male skier division.
“It
was a crazy unique competition, and it’s always fun to get out riding in the
summer. I’m just stoked the [competition] went off!” said Holden Samuels, who
won the male snowboard division. The younger Samuels, a sophomore this fall at
Colorado University at Boulder, narrowly missed qualifying for the Freeride
World Tour in his rookie season as an adult competitor last season.
“Holden
has the skill set to compete and win at the highest level against the best in
the world. It will be fun to watch him this season,” Manka said after watching
him put down another first place performance.