TAOS TO HOST FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS

From February 11th to the 13th, 2005 Taos Ski Valley will host the first annual New Mexico Extreme Freeride Championship. This IFSA sanctioned competition is the first of its kind held in New Mexico. One hundred and twenty athletes from across the Rocky Mountain region will face some off for a cash purse and prizes on some of the countries most challenging double black diamond terrain. Recent snows and the forecast for consistent moisture for the region through the month of February should leave the venues in prime condition for the event. The first day of competition the entire field will compete on Taos� famous Kachina Peak. Tight lines enclosed by steep cliff bands will halve the field of competitors. Those who move on to the second day of competition will tackle Taos� notorious West Basin Ridge. Twenty-five competitors (twenty men and 5 women) must complete two runs on the final day, also on the West Basin Ridge. The top three in each category will take home cash and prizes. Competitors are judged by five judges from the IFSA. They are judged in five specific categories including: Line � the steepness, exposure, snow conditions and number of obstacles in the path chosen by the skier. Control - a fall is the ultimate loss of control and greatly affects a skier�s score. Fluidity - constant direction toward a goal, this category includes continuity, pace, speed and smooth transitions. Form/Technique � style and technical ability, this category is the most subjective and is the athletes opportunity to impress the judges with their style and skiing beauty. The final category is aggressiveness/attack � which focuses on the energy with which a skier attacks a chosen line. The event is being sponsored by Red Bull, Camelbak, Salomon Skis, Orage ski apparel, Thorlo socks, Level Gloves, Nanaks Lip Balm, Freeskier Magazine and 999Dine.com and judging from the excitement it has generated it is sure to be the first of many extreme competitions held at Taos. Interested competitors can go to skitaos.org and click on events for more information and to register.