Go big or go home
Purgatory freestyle and freeride skiers are flying high. Both teams competed last weekend, Jan. 20-21, in the inaugural competition of the season, held in Telluride. Known as the Developmental and Qualifier Series, the comp drew skiers aged 8-14 from Telluride, Aspen, Winter Park, Vail, Steamboat, Pajarito and Summit County.
The Purg Freestyle Ski Team collected several first-place podium spots. Bumper Hunter Rawles, son to freestyle coach Kirk Rawles, soared into first place overall thanks in part to his unique iron cross-spread eagle combo.
Alongside Rawles on the podium was Freddie Mickel, who finished third in his age group, as did Megan Faherty, who was third in the U15 girls and sixth overall in a field of 17.
On day two of competition, Amara Kirk, 9, earned the highest score of the day and a first place ranking in the popular U11 girls age group. Joining her were Lucy Klotz, first place in the U13 girls; and Chase Connors, whose helicopter earned him first place among U11 boys. Balin Kirk joined Connors on the Purgatory-dominated podium with a second-place U11 finish.
On the freeride side of things, Lucy Hall, 13, won the girls Big Mountain Free Ride comp. Other results from the freeride team weren’t available as of press time, but we’re sure they crushed it.
The successful weekend helped Purgatory athletes earn points to qualify for the Rocky Mountain RQS/Devo State Championships, which occur in March at Purgatory. The skiers will be back on home turf this weekend for Mild to Wild Mogul Challenge at Purgatory on Jan. 28-29.
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