By Francesca Pavillard-Cain

I am definitely living the life! Currently I am in Sun Valley, Idaho competing in USCSA intercollegiate nationals representing Western State Colorado University, Rossignol, and of course Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Prior to Idaho I traveled with the team to Taos, New Mexico for the Salomon Freeskiing Championship.

Sending It

This was a 4 star Freeskiing World Tour Event and to say it was fun is a huge understatement. I got to compete with some of the best freeride skiers in the nation.

Day one and two were both on the same venue and finals were on the famous and gnarly Kachina peak. I had a pretty good lead of nearly 2 points by finals so I got to take a relaxed victory lap but enjoyed the challenging terrain! Not to mention getting back in shape with all the hiking (Turns out we’re pretty spoiled in CB!)

Crested Butte was not short of great skiers to represent them. Mark Mikos, Ashley Bembenek, Rob Dickinson, Tom Runcie, Connor Michael, Alex Else, and more all embodied that Crested Butte spirit. Crested Butte finishes included: Ciera Gleen in 4^th, Kaytlin Hughes in 6^th, and Kevin Adams in 13^th.

It was my first 1^st place in a FWT adult event and I hope this is just the start to the rest of a great season. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me out I really wouldn’t be able to do it without all the support.

 1st place!