Results are in for this year’s King of the Mountain competition

The winners of the men's ski competition celebrate at the podium. Photo: Hywel Williams

This season’s marginal snow conditions could not deter the throngs of keen competitors from piling into RMR on March 2 and 3, to battle it out for the crown. The hybrid freeride and freestyle event took place under bluebird conditions, which made for some impressive, craned-neck spectator opportunities.

Spectators watch competitors throw some big air moves. Photo: Hywel Williams

The competition had four divisions: men’s snowboard, women’s snowboard, men’s ski and women’s ski. Competitors were given two days to prove that they were the most well-rounded rider, by showing off their skills on both the freeride and freestyle sections of the course. The rider with the highest combined score from both days was crowned the winner of their category.

Competitors enjoyed clear blue skies throughout both days of the competition. Photo: Hywel Williams

Pat Monteith and his terrain park crew spent an entire week carefully prepping the course for the event – manipulating moguls, softening landings and building booters – to ensure riders could get maximum air time with minimum impact on landing.

Check out a video from the competition here:

Monteith has been the event organizer for the past three years and was pleased with this year’s turnout of 50+ competitors — especially with the knowledge of the hard-packed snow conditions. “People were definitely hesitant,” he admitted, “but as soon as one person started sending it, everyone followed. The vibe was strong, and the visibility couldn’t have been better.”

The second part of the competition took place in RMR’s terrain park. Photo: Hywel Williams

King of the Mountain serves as a great gateway competition for those who would otherwise be a little anxious in the spotlight. “The goal of King of the Mountain was to provide a unique format and venue for riders to test their skills, in a low-pressure environment where riders are encouraged to have fun, cheer each other on and not take skiing so seriously,” Monteith said.

With its low-stress vibe, coupled with its desirable prizes (first place winners of each category were awarded cash prizes as well as Faction skis worth up to $1,000), organizers hope that next year’s competition will continue to attract both a local and an international crowd.