Telepalooza really is the best way to describe what went on last weekend at Alyeska Resort in Alaska. Ski demo’s, fun races, costume parties, raffles, the freeskiing championships were all shared by tele-fanatics that showed up to get rowdy on and off the slopes. Alyeska resort and Tough Guy Productions did an amazing job of putting together the first ever Freeskiing Telemark Championships. PW was on scene to film our athlete’s during their run at glory. The competitors playground was huge with many options for the skiers to challenge themselves and wow the crowds.
Here is a little view at the comp thanks to the photography of Jay Beyer
Andy Jacobsen started things off by making it clear he isn’t ****ing around, as he jumps right onto a frightfully exposed ramp through the biggest rock buttress in the venue. Maybe it was his full body armor or his trust in his Zealot skis (from his new sponsor Black Diamond) that drove him to such madness. Hop turning and praying his way through this line as the sluff fell, Andy put himself into good position going into the finals. Skiing very strong and fast through the low light superfinals placed Andy (aka-Jacobtron) in 8th at the end of the palooza.
Kate Cardamone, Martha Burley and Megan Michelson were the three women to compete in the Superfinals.
Not content with her domination in Crested Butte a few weeks ago, Megan Michelson headed north to throw down again. Megan finished in 1st place here in AK by skiing strong fast and fluid. Entering her first 2 comps and winning both isn’t a bad way to start out. Megan stole the hearts of the crowds, the title, and some salt and pepper for the RV(Good gal to have along).
Kate Cardamone solid to her last turn near the finish on her way to 3rd place. Almost as impressive as her performance on the big mountains, Kate showed off her talented dance moves at the awards party(unfortunately no pictures, she was moving way too fast).
Team Will and Kate Cardamone look on as they contemplate what a bad ass sibling duo they have become. It was a great display of skill, speed and stomps all throughout the 2 day showdown.
Will Cardamone let the badger out of the cage during the superfinals and impressed the crowd with high speed and a huge styled out 360. He snagged a pole and was taken down hard into a tumble that tweaked his knee, but for his amazing efforts Will limped into the 5th spot overall.
Chris Erickson (the Ill Eagle) spreading his wings for serious flight time.
Dylan Crossman was, as always, the poster boy of form and control while skiing big lines.
It wouldn’t be a comp without some thrills and spills.
Nick Devore had a rough rodeo ride on his first qualifier run, but took back the reigns for the finals and rode the bull to victory.
Everybody that didn’t blink, saw just how fast and furious a mountain can be slain.
Nick took the top spot on the podium and walked away with 50K worth of free helicopter skiing. Dylan stood in 2nd at weeks end and is preparing for the Alpine event. 3rd place was 18 year old Jake Sakson who had the highest single run score of the comp.
Nick Devore and Megan Michelson beaming with that winners glow. Everybody rocked the night away in pirate fashion as the curtain fell on Telepalooza.
Thanks to Booke Edwards for working so hard and putting together such a fun and creative event for the tele-world. We all had a great time and we’ll see you next year.
To really experience the show you need to live it yourself, book your ticket for next year now.
Stormy weather has settled upon the Chugach for now, providing time to rest up from a weekend of intense competition and celebration, and prepare for some big mountain adventures.
Reported by Noah Howell
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