Headwaters Spring Runoff returns for 10th season

By Sheila Chapman Big Sky Resort PR Manager

BIG SKY – Big Sky Resort will host the 10th annual Headwaters Spring Runoff freeride competition with juniors competing on Sunday, March 15. The adult portion of the event was cancelled due to low registration numbers.

Juniors will use Saturday as an inspection day, and the competition is open to both alpine and telemark skiers, and snowboarders.

The Headwaters Cirque is known for having some of the steepest in-bounds terrain in the country, and sets the stage for this freeride event. The junior division event is sanctioned by the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association and athletes can earn points toward their IFSA standings.

“The Headwaters terrain is such a unique freeskiing venue,” said Dave Benes, Big Sky Resort Ski Patrol Assistant Director. “The steeps alone catch your eye with angles upwards of 55 degrees. The variety of tight, technical lines and wide-open amphitheater allow for multiple line combinations and tons of creativity.”

In years past, the competition has seen hundreds of athletes exploring every line down the Headwaters Cirque in the northern terrain of Lone Mountain. The sold-out junior event is open to 70 competitors offering athletes opportunities to put their skills to the test and chances to win great prizes.

Junior divisions include boys aged 12-14 and 15-18 years old, and girls aged 12-14 and 15-18. The event will combine skiers and snowboarders unless a large number of snowboarders register.

Spectators are encouraged to attend the event, and Stillwater Bowl provides the best viewing of the competition. Exact competition venues will be determined the week of the event.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in each division category.

This article was edited from the original print version after the adult competition was canceled.

Visit bigskyresort.com/hsr for more information.