Thredbo Snow Series 2017 Final Wrap

The Thredbo Snow Series is a unique beast consisting of 5 events covering 5 freestyle disciplines. Competitors can enter individual or multiple events to take out event wins as well as accumulating overall series points. Ultimately to receive overall series honours a well rounded snowsports skill set is required. Another unique element to the series is the diversity of the ages and abilities covered by the events. With Grom, Junior and Open divisions, frothy youngsters get to compete alongside some of Australia’s best as well as internationals getting involved in the festivities. Every event pumped kids and proud parents pass on their thanks to the crew which makes the hard work all the more worthwhile. In addition to this the vibe of the events are super positive and supportive. Competitors aren’t shy about cheering each other on and during the podium presentations high fives, hugs and hand shakes are all the rage.

First up on the series calendar was the Night Rails event. Thredbo Parks went with one feature that had numerous options and a lot of technical potential for the more proficient rail riders. A large round down rail was the center piece with a round gap on rail either side. Each of these could be hit individually with transition and transfer options on offer for the creative eye. A flat box and a flat down box were added to the mix to make sure all competitors were covered. After qualification action really heated up in the jam sessions finals impressing the enthusiastic audience and the watchful judges.

Next event on the list was Ridercross and the High Noon course was beefed up ensuring the racers would be challenged. Individual timed runs determined rankings for racing and competitors fought it out head to head in 4 person heats. As always with racers rubbing side by side some thrills and spills were inevitable. The field was whittled down for the finals leaving 4 in each division fighting it out for a spot on the podium and crucial series points.

The third event in the Thredbo Snow Series was the Freeride on the Bluff. After disappearing from the calendar for several years it made a welcome return to the series in 2017. With a freestyle event taking place on un-groomed slopes, favourable weather with fresh snow is needed to allow competitors to push the envelope. Unfortunately the event was postponed but the Blizzard of Oz kicked in and the Bluff became the playground required and it was game on. Due to the popularity of the Freeride on the Bluff it has been locked in again for the series in 2018.

With 3 events down the next on the list was Slopestyle. With it’s inclusion in the Winter Olympics it’s popularity has surged confirming that Terrain Parks are here to stay in the snowsports industry. To keep things interesting the course was split with 2 jump runs then 2 rail runs. The best run from each element was combined to give the overall score for each competitor. Throughout the series the level of participation from female competitors has increased significantly from previous years and this was particularly apparent at the Slopestyle. Great to see the girls giving the guys a run for their money.

The final stop on the Thredbo Snow Series bullet train was the Big Air. Tucked away in a protected bowl the Q5 jump was the obvious choice of location. With the jump being 45 feet to the knuckle a smaller take off was pushed up beside the main take off to provide a less intimidating option. In hindsight it may not have been required with only a few competitors opting for the smaller jump. Over the years the level of riding in the series has gone through the roof and the Big Air was a great example of this. It was awesome to see so many groms and juniors taking on the Q5 jump for the first time.

With all 5 event wrapped up and some careful calculations the Thredbo Snow Series overall winners were crowned. A huge thank you to event sponsors for providing prizes, snacks and refreshments for all the events. Without the support of Burton, Rossignol, GoPro, Rhythm Snowsports and Peg Bars it would not have been possible… you guys rock. Can’t wait to do it all again in 2018!

Open Men Ski Winner: Martin Longitano
Junior Men Ski Winner: Cade Robinson
Grom Men Ski Winner: Joey Ellis
Open Women Ski Winner: Abi Harrigan
Junior Women Ski Winner: Mabel Ashburn
Grom Women Ski Winner: Arkie Ellis
Open Men Snowboard Winner: Joss McAlpin
Junior Men Snowboard Winner: James Findlay
Grom Men Snowboard Winner: Sunny Steele
Open Women Snowboard Winner: Jade McJannett
Junior Women Snowboard Winner: Caycee Stratten
Grom Women Snowboard Winner: Paige Jones

For full results click here.