Team Europe clinched the Swatch Skiers Cup on 12 September with a final score of 14 – 10 at the inaugural freeski competition high in the Chilean Andes.
Team Europe held a strong lead after the first day of competition, dominating the Big Mountain segment on 5 September. Going into the Backcountry Slopestyle segment of the competition with a team stacked with freestyle stars, Team America was heavily favoured. However Team Europe held their own, and when the snow settled after two rounds they had drawn 8 - 8 with Team Americas, and claim the overall title.
The Backcountry Slopestyle venue at Valle Nevado contained two large features shaped by David Ny, and the varied natural hits, cliffs and powder landings provided a spectacular venue for both teams to showcase their skills.
In round one Rory Bushfield (USA) simply stomped everything he threw, but his rival Nicolas Vuignier (SWI), answered with one of the most stylish cab-540’s of the day. Most impressive in the first round was the explosive energy of Markus Eder’s (ITA) cab 900 mute and switch 540 revert. A series of spills by Team Americas would limit their gains though, and round one finished with Team Europe holding a 10 – 6 lead.
Round two would see Henrik Windstedt (SWE) charge to the finish with solid, controlled skiing, and big mountain specialist Sverre Liliequist (SWE) would display a whole new side with a misty 720 and a huge backflip. Team Americas equalised with Dylan Hood’s (USA) enormous cork 720 and switch tricks around the venue, but with favoured teammates Dana Flahr (CAN) and James Heim (CAN) failing to shine Team Europe was able to maintain its lead and claim victory.
After the resounding success of the inaugural Swatch Skiers Cup, and popularity of the contest format amongst the riders’ themselves, there’s no doubt this could become a highlight of the ski calendar. Team America Captain, Mark Abma (CAN) said following the event “I think this has been a success just because of its team feel, and the camaraderie that comes from it. We have so many contests these days that are individually focused, that to create a team focus is really a funky twist. These days we just need something different and [Kaj and Sverre] stepped-up to it.”
Backcountry Slopestyle Results:
Round 1
Dylan Hood 1 - 0 Sverre Liliequist?
James Heim 0 - 1 Kaj Zackrisson
?Josh Bibby 1 - 0 Seb Michaud
?Rory Bushield 1 - 0 Nicolas Vuignier
?Oakley White-Allen 1 - 0 Chris Booth
?Dana Flahr 0 - 1 Henrik Windstedt
?Chopo Diaz 0 - 1 Richard Permin
?Matt Margetts 0 - 1 Markus Eder
Round 2
Josh Bibby 1 - 0 Chris Booth
Chopo Diaz 0 - 1 Henrik Windstedt
James Heim 0 - 1 Seb Michaud
Dana Flahr 0 - 1 Kaj Zackrisson
?Rory Bushfield 1 - 0 Markus Eder
?Oakley White-Allen 0 - 1 Sverre Liliequist
?Matt Margetts 1 - 0 Nicolas Vuignier
?Dylan Hood 1 - 0 Richard Permin