North face park & pipe at Tahoe

GALLERY

Album: The North Face Open Qualifier Results for Slope

The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series kicked off today at Northstar Resort in Lake Tahoe with men’s slopestyle qualifiers. This is stop one of the two part series, the next being held in Waterville Valley in February. Athletes are vying for their last opportunity for an X games spot, AFP points and a cut of the 40k prize purse split between both events. The open entry format makes this competition great for both amateur and profession athletes alike.

Chris Logan came out on top today with a score of 93.40 with a blind-side switch up, pretzel 270 out of the down flat down rail, 450 on, 450 off the flat bar, switch right 1080 to switch left 1260. McRae Williams came in second throwing down a huge switch double 1080. Tying for the third highest score of the day was Joe Schuster and Paul Bergeron with 91.80.

Classic Tahoe blue bird skies were out today for qualifiers, giving the riders the best conditions to throw down. There were over 70 skiers competing for a spot into semifinals. Out of three heats, and top eight skiers of each heat (plus the two highest scores not in top eight) join the prequalified athletes for semifinals and possibly finals, which are both held tomorrow. The judges were professional skiers: Steele Spence (Head judge), Evan Raps, Mike Laroche, Omar Otte, Skogen Sprang.

Course from the top photo: Brian Walker

The general consensus of the athletes was that the course was really well set up, and they were stoked to see a big competition in Tahoe again. The course was held on Pinball and consisted of a down-flat-down or flat down box option, Gap to flat bar or an up box option, a jump to another jump into a quarter pipe. Local rider, Matt Nelson, said that he’s happy to see this big of a competition held on the west coast for a change.

Skier:Joss Christensen Photo: Brian Walker

Qualifier Results for Slopestyle

Heat 1:

1. Paul Bergeron - 91.80
2. Ben Moxham - 89.80
3. Josh Christensen - 88.40
4. Aldan Sheahan - 88.00
5. Kyle Smaine - 82.80
6. John Leonard - 79.80
7. Lyman Currier - 73.20
8. Charlie Ingalls - 73.20

Heat 2:

1. Chris Logan - 93.40
2. Nick Martini - 86.40
3. Charlie Lasser - 82.80
4. Cody Ling - 81.20
5. John Strenio - 80.20
6. Mike Mertion - 79.20
7. Maks Gorham - 78.80
8. Tim Mcchensney - 78.00
9. Kolby Ward - 75.80

Heat 3

1. McRae Williams - 92.20
2. Joe Shuster - 91.80
3. Matt Nelson - 87.00
4. Clayton Vila - 83.40
5. Karl Fostvedt - 83.00
6. David Wise - 82.00
7. Robert Walter - 76.20
8. Max Peters - 73.40
9. Jason Arens

Skier: Kyle Smaine Photo: Brian Walker

Prequalified

1. Nick Goepper
2. Chris Laker
3. Nicholas Keefer
4. Gus Kenworthy
5. David Wise
6. Kyle Smaine
7. Patrick Baskins

Stay tuned to freeskier.com tomorrow evening for men's and women's slopestyle final results and Sunday for the pipe qualifier and final results.

GALLERY

Album: Chris & Devin Logan Win The North Face Open Slope

Brother and sister team, Chris and Devin Logan come out on top of the podium during The North Face Open Pipe + Park slopestyle event today up at Northstar at Tahoe. This is the first stop of the two part series, the second being in Waterville in February. Chris Logan and Maude Raymond, who won third place in today’s event, both received their coveted X Games invitation.

Chris Logan and Devin Logan with their matching checks for 1st today

Today’s event started out with women’s semifinals, and then went straight into the two heats of men’s semifinals. Grey skies and wind in the morning caused the speed to change giving a few of the females some trouble clearing the jumps. The girls absolutely threw down regardless. I’ve never seen so many girls go off axis, which is a big step toward where women’s slopestyle is headed. I saw cork 900s from Dania, rodeos from both Jessica Warll and Anna Segal, and Devin threw a huge cork 7. Jessica Warll came out in first after this round with a score of 92.4 throwing down a huge cork 3 into flat 5. Maude Raymond was in second with an 86.6. She was the only female of the day to grease the down-flat-down and slide the high flat bar. Dania was in third with a style-y cork 7 to 540. Kim Lamarre, who was killing it all morning, went for a huge zero spin on the second jump, but landing right on the knuckle thanks to the wind. This left her on the wrong side of the bubble.

Women’s Semifinal Results

1. Jessica Warll – 92.4
2. Maude Raymond – 86.6
3. Dania Assaly – 85.4
4. Devin Logan – 83.8
5. Anna Segal – 82.2
6. Meg Olenick – 81.8
Cutoff_______________
7. Kim Lamarre – 79.60
8. Keltie Hansen – 72.20
9. Ali Agee – 68.40
10. Erica Durtschi – 64.60
11. Holly Hind – 42.00

Anna Segal throwing her rodeo 540 off the first jump during qualifiers today. Photo: Brian Walker

The sun came out just in time for the men’s semifinal heats to begin. Gus Kenworthy came out on top with a 90.20 throwing 450 disaster, 270 out on the DFD, 2 on, 2 off on the high bar, switch 10, switch right-side 9 and a 540 on the quarter pipe. Nick Goepper came out second with a score of 88.20, and Chris Laker in third with 87.60. For the second heat, McRae Williams, who got second in qualifiers, won his heat yet again advancing him straight into finals with an 89.60. His run consisted of switch 2, back 630 off on the high bar, and switch 9 into cork 9. Killing it all day long was Joss Christensen, who came out in second with an 88.60. He spun a cork 630 off the high bar straight into a right 9 and switch right 9.

LJ with his switch 2 on, about to flip off photo: Brian Walker

Semifinal Results – Heat 2

1. McRae Williams – 89.60
2. Joss Christensen – 88.60
3. Paul Bergeron – 86.80
4. Joe Schuster – 83.60
5. Aiden Sheahan – 83.60
6. Chris Logan – 80.60
7. Cody Ling – 78.40
8. Mike Mertion – 75.40
Cutoff_______________
9. Matt Margetts – 73.40
10. Max Peters – 70.60
11. Nicholas Keefer – 70.60
12. John Leonard – 70.20
13. Charlie Ingalls – 63.80
14. David Wise – 40.60
15. Matt Nelson – 36.40
16. Kyle Smaine – 30.40

Semifinal Results – Heat 1

1. Gus Kenworthy – 90.20
2. Nick Goepper – 88.20
3. Chris Laker – 87.60
4. John Strenio – 84.60
5. Nick Martini – 84.20
6. Tim McChesney – 83.20
7. Clayton Vila – 82.60
8. Ben Moxham – 78.20
Cutoff__________________
9. Robert Walter – 73.40
10. Charlie Lasser – 72.60
11. Patrick Baskins – 69.40
12. Maks Gorham – 67.20
13. Kolby Ward – 59.80
14. Lyman Currier – 45.00
15. Karl Fostvedt – 38.60
16. Jason Arens – 28.00

John Leonard during semifinals photo: Brian Walker

The afternoon kicked off with women’s finals first. The girls went all out, which made me happy to not have to judge this event. It was a close call, but in the end it was Devin Logan’s huge switch 5 to cork 720 and 540 in the quarter pipe that gave her the win. She was the only girl I saw spin over a 3 on the quarter pipe. Soaring her way into second place was Anna Segal. There is no doubt she rightfully made it onto the podium with her huge rodeo 5 straight into big switch 3. Third place and an X Games invite went to Canadian skier, Maude Raymond who had some of the best style out today. She gained extra points by taking the more risky rail line and throwing down a switch 5 into a nice regular 5. Just missing the cut was Jessica Warll, who is new on the pro scene. With her cork 5s and huge rodeos, she’s definitely one to look out for. Dania Assaly and Meg Olenick both threw down impressive 900s. Overall, the girls showed that women’s slopestyle is stepping it up in the right direction with big spins, inverts and technical rail lines.

Women’s Final Results

1. Devin Logan – 88.00
2. Anna Segal – 81.25
3. Maude Raymond – 78.20
4. Jessica Warll – 75.00
5. Dania Assaly – 73.20
6. Meg Olenick – 70.00

Devin Login corking out during finals photo: Brian Walker

Up next was men’s finals, which consisted of the top 16 skiers from semis. After winning yesterday’s qualifiers, Chris Logan wanted to let everyone know he had what it takes to do the same today. Chris is known for his smooth style, and he proved today that he could even make 1260s look good. Coming in second was John Strenio who put down one of the best runs of the day throwing a switch double 1080 and a misty off the high bar. Third went to one of the youngest competitors of the day: Nick Goepper. This east coast grown kid showed that he has what it takes to keep up with the older guys with his 9’s, switch double flips and flares.

Chris Logan – backside switch up on DFD, 4 on 4 off of high bar, right 9, switch 12

LJ Strenio – backside switch up 2 out on DFD, switch 2 on misty off high bar, switch right 1080, switch left double 1080

Nick Goepper – 270 on DFD, 2 on 2 off high bar, left 9, switch right double, flare (quarter pipe)

Men's Final Results - Slopestyle

1. Chris Logan – 95.40
2. John Strenio – 93.40
3. Nick Goepper – 91.00
4. Joss Christensen – 88.00
5. Ben Moxham – 87.40
6. Gus Kenworthy – 85.80
7. Chris Laker – 85.60
8. Nick Martini –84.80
9. McRae Willians – 84.40
10. Mike Mertion – 83.80
11. Aidan Sheahan – 82.60
12. Cody Ling – 81.60
13. Clayton Vila – 78.40
14. Joe Schuster –77.80
15. Tim McChesney – 74.20
16. Paul Bergeron – 50.00

Nick Martini flipping off the high bar during finals photo: Brian Walker

McRae Williams with a nice mute double on the second jump during finals photo: Brian Walker

Check freeskier.com tomorrow evening for The North Face Open pipe results.

GALLERY

Album: David Wise and Dania Assaly Win TNFO Pipe

The third and final day of The North Face Open Park + Pipe Series at Northstar concluded today with men’s and women’s pipe. A sunny yet chilly day made for great conditions for the athletes to send it. Coming out on top for men was local, David Wise, and for the women was Dania Assaly. This was the last opportunity for riders to get a spot in the X Games, which ended up going to 2nd place male, Matt Margetts, and 4th place female, Maddie Bowman. Riders were also out trying to win a cut of the 20k prize purse and Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) points. According to Head Judge and AFP General Manager, Steele Spence, this was a silver level event with possible bonus points available depending on the level of riders who were there. To see how this weekend affects the standings, check afpworldtour.com later this evening for updated points.

Groms checking out the men's final

The event began with the men’s semifinal at 10:30 this morning. Out of the 23 men, the top 16 scores of two runs would advance to finals later in the afternoon. In the end, it was David Wise, who wanted to let everyone know that today was his day. He stomped both runs, but it was his second run score of 94.60 that put him on top. Wise was throwing doubles and smooth back-to-back 9s, a flare, back-to-back flat spins and a huge 1080 at the bottom. Noah Bowman, who was also going for all day was 3 points behind with a 91.60. Coming in third, was Matt Margetts, who came out of the gate with a huge double into a 9, switch 7, right 10s into switch left 1080s. He was just behind Bowman with a 91.20. Since they took 16 men into finals, it seemed the guys wanted to send it, but still just land a clean run to get into finals.

David Wise photo: Brian Walker

Kris Atkinson photo: Brian Walker

Noah Bowman photo: Brian Walker

Peter Crook photo: Brian Walker

Men’s Semifinal Results

1. David Wise – 94.60
2. Noah Bowman – 91.60
3. Matt Margetts – 91.20
4. Patrick Baskins – 87.40
5. Brian Kish – 84
6. Peter Crook – 82.20
7. Kyle Smaine – 80.80
8. Taylor Seaton – 77.80
9. Kris Atkinson – 77.40
10. Christian Allen – 76.40
11. Walker Wood – 76
12. Joss Christensen – 75.20
13. Charlie Lasser – 74.20
14. Wing Tai Barrymore – 74
15. Sean Collin – 72.80
16. Tyler Peterson – 71.00
Cutoff_____________________
17. Gus Kenworthy – 69.60
18. John Leonard – 66.60
19. Billy Mann – 65.60
20. Nick Goepper – 60.20
21. Alex Gorham – 48
22. Lyman Currier – 19.40
23. Neal Cadra – 10.00

Next up, were the females. Since there were only eight competitors, they jumped straight into a three run final. The girls were going big and sending lots of 540s, flares and even some 9’s. In the end, it was Dania Assaly who came out on top with a score of 90.0 on her second run. She was having some trouble landing her 900’s, but in the end, she was able to stick a clean run boosting three 540’s and a 700. Coming in second, less than two point behind was Keltie Hansen with an 88.4 She also threw three 540s and a nice 7 at the bottom. Third place went to yesterday’s slopestyle winner, Devin Logan. Her run consisted of a five, flare, and another five into a 360. She skied really well all weekend, and was really going for it. She pulled off back-to-back flares in her third run but wasn’t quite as smooth as her first. Local girl, Maddie Bowman, came in fourth with her smooth style and consistency. She walked away with the coveted X Games spot.

Devin Logan photo: Brian Walker

Dania Assaly photo: Brian Walker

Hannah Haupt photo: Brian Walker

Keltie Hansen photo: Brian Walker

Women's Pipe Podium, 1st: Dania Assaly, 2nd Keltie Hansen, 3rd Devin Logan

Women's Final Results

1. Dania Assaly – 90
2. Keltie Hansen – 88.4
3. Devin Logan – 87
4. Maddie Bowman – 84.4
5. Brita Sigourney – 83.4
6. Kimmy Sharp – 72.8
7. Em Longsdale – 65.6
8. Hannah Haupt – 50

Lastly, the men’s final was up with three runs each. All the guys were boosting and throwing huge tricks, but in the end it was David Wise who came out on top. He said when he woke up he was feeling good and ready to go for it after being tired the past couple of days, because he competed in slopestyle also. With his family up here cheering him on and back visiting his home area, he knew this could be his day. In the end, it was his fluidity and consistency that gave him the edge, besides the fact that he was going huge with every hit. He had back-to-back 9’s, flat spins, switch 7’s and 10s. Not far behind Wise, was Matt Margetts who came in second with a 91.4. He was throwing doubles and smooth flat spins, switch 7’s, right 10’s and switch 9’s at the bottom. Patrick Baskins, who was one of the styliest skiers out today, came in third with a 90.8. He was one of two riders to drop in switch with a huge 10 into switch right 7, aleyoop cork 5 to switch right 7. Walter Wood, Joss Christensen, Taylor Seaton and Noah Bowman all deserve mention. All the guys in finals were sending it, and any one of them could have potentially made it on the podium.

Joss Christensen Photo: Brian Walker

Walter Wood

Brian Kish

David Wise

Kris Atkinson

Kyle Smaine

Matt Margetts

Noah Bowman

Tyler Peterson

David Wise fans!

Men's Final Results

1. David Wise – 94.2
2. Matt Margetts – 91.4
3. Patrick Baskins – 90.8
4. Walter Wood – 88.8
5. Joss Christensen – 86.4
6. Taylor Seaton – 84.4
7. Noah Bowman – 83.8
8. Brian Kish – 82.8
9. Wing Tai Barrymore – 80
10. Tyler Peterson – 79.4
11. Kyle Smaine – 74.8
12. Sean Collin – 73.8
13. Christian Allen – 72.8
14. Kris Atkinson – 70.2
15. Peter Crook – 68.8
16. Charlie Lasser – 65.8

This concludes the first stop of The North Face Open Park + Pipe at Northstar at Tahoe. Congratulations to Chris Logan and Devin Logan for winning slopestyle yesterday and also Maude Raymond and Chris for their X Games spots. Congratulations also goes out to David Wise and Dania Assaly for winning today’s pipe event, and Matt Margetts and Maddie Bowman for winning the last spots into X Games. Don’t forget to sign up for the second stop to be held in Waterville Valley next month at http://www.thenorthfaceppos.com.