Mar 7-8, 2014 National IFSA Event Crystal Mt

We are just not big fans of the overall IFSA scene (lots of kids, very "select" sports like). We are not out there for a social scene, rather always the skiing. So when that gets compromised, it leaves a bad taste.

Lots of kids means lots of competition. That's good for everyone, and it's a lot harder to get on the podium. JFT fields are tiny and the events are few. The Snowbird IFSA national in January had 90 kids in the 15-18 year old men and 65 in the 12-14's. Succeed there and you've really accomplished something.

I've gone back and forth with myself about doing the JFT events because with the smaller fields and many of the best riders (certainly not all) competing in IFSA events and not JFT, it would be a lot easier to get on the podium. We've decided it's better to face the larger fields and get the lessons that go along with the successes, failures and occasional bad luck.

"select" sports like? Couldn't disagree more. Select sports are usually limited by some adult choosing who plays and at what level. IFSA events are open to all. Having been a race family for a number of years before moving to this arena I can tell you it's a way more mutually supportive and inclusive environment. It helps to spend some time around the environment, as with anything like that. More events means more competitive experience means better skiing. I really don't get that comment at all.

BTW, we were all sad to see GG crash on his 3 today. He's a great skier and a nice kid.

... but if you choose to participate or cheer for those in primarily judged events, then no whining when the judges decide differently than your reading of the run.

don't think I was whining, but I certainly have disagreed with the judges from time to time. that's a pretty normal thing to do in judged events.

no judges needed to be bribed today at the alpental event. the winners proved their worth with style and power.
b

Sorry to respond so late bF, really busy on the road as you know.

Congrats! to Q and all the great riders this past weekend. I was so bummed to miss the event at my home area, but alas work called and someone has to pay for these things, lol.

Strong, smooth and consistent is awesome. Wish I had vid or shots, if anyone does and can send them my way I can try and turn it into a short vid.

WAY to GO!

pics here: www.facebook.com/pages/NorthwestAlpental...rograms/337886737151

i suspect viddy will be edited soon. way to go indeed!

Lots of kids means lots of competition. That's good for everyone, and it's a lot harder to get on the podium. JFT fields are tiny and the events are few. The Snowbird IFSA national in January had 90 kids in the 15-18 year old men and 65 in the 12-14's. Succeed there and you've really accomplished something.

I've gone back and forth with myself about doing the JFT events because with the smaller fields and many of the best riders (certainly not all) competing in IFSA events and not JFT, it would be a lot easier to get on the podium. We've decided it's better to face the larger fields and get the lessons that go along with the successes, failures and occasional bad luck.

"select" sports like? Couldn't disagree more. Select sports are usually limited by some adult choosing who plays and at what level. IFSA events are open to all. Having been a race family for a number of years before moving to this arena I can tell you it's a way more mutually supportive and inclusive environment. It helps to spend some time around the environment, as with anything like that. More events means more competitive experience means better skiing. I really don't get that comment at all.

BTW, we were all sad to see GG crash on his 3 today. He's a great skier and a nice kid.

Thanks for the kind comments about GG. Much appreciated. And congrats on another good day for your Athlete.

My comments about "too many kids" is not about competition. It is about too many kids acting immature and only there for the scene and the not the skiing. They are not elite athletes and the only reason they are on a team and competing is because it looks cool to them and their parents pay for it.

Sorry to sound so harsh but select sports is filled with kids that are marginal or average athletes. I am not being a dick, just real. My daughter plays select softball and falls into the that category. She is an average athlete. So we have been trying to get away from that scene in skiing and when I see it I want to run. Just me.

As for IFSA versus JFT and level of comp, don't think I agree my friend. Volume does not mean quality. IFSA has volume and some good quality, yet I would say that that while the fields are smaller, they are better at JFT. Crested was certainly that way so far this year. But this is a splitting hairs thing.

Good discourse Oftpiste (yes I know who it is but avoid real names to protect the innocent, lol).