Day two of The North Face Frontier delivered more high-octane action at The Remarkables Ski Area today as a packed field of 110 hard-charging skiers and snowboarders competed in the 2-star Freeride World Tour Qualifier event.
Returning to the Alta Chutes but with different course options from the previous day’s 4-star event, competitors were on the hunt for bold lines and a way to impress the judges by delivering the right combination of fluidity, control, style and technique. Hanging in the balance was not only a spot on the podium, but valuable qualifying points for the FWT Challenger as well as the FIS Freeride World Championships.
With a hefty field of 50 competitors in the men’s ski category, the stakes were high. With snow coverage much sparser than in previous years, the athletes needed to be savvy about their line choices. Finding features to hit and showcase skills and tricks was one thing, but unless you could land on your feet, there would be no score on the board.
Joshua Bull (USA) started his day excited to compete and was even more excited to finish in first place, improving on his third-place finish in 2024. Coming hot out of the start gates, he showcased good technique with strong turns before spinning tricks every way possible - including right and left 360s, a front flip and off-axis backflip - down the rest of the venue. The judges were impressed not only by his tricks, but the fact that he hit some of the biggest features on the course and nailed clean landings.
“I was stoked to put it to my feet,” said Bull at the finish. “I came in super excited and a little nervous but it all worked and I’m hyped.”
Local skier Lach Powell (NZ), no stranger to freeride podiums at this venue, once again showed his mastery of the Alta Chutes and finished his day in second place, scoring well for air and style and strong technique.
Fellow Kiwi Ethan McLean finished in third place, also demonstrating strong technique with his turns at the top of the course before stomping big airs on his way to the finish line.
Another New Zealander on top form for today’s competition was Jess Hotter, stepping up from her third place in the 4-star competition to win the women’s 2-star ski category. The judges rewarded her for confident skiing and showing excellent technique and control. Hitting a cliff feature that no one else had tackled that day, the commentators referred to this as the ‘Jess Hotter Cliff’ for the rest of the competition.
“I’m pretty stoked with how my run went all in all. It’s hard to get through the rocks to where you want to go at the moment, but I managed to do everything I wanted to in my run so I’m happy,” explained Hotter.
4-star winner Harriet Lucas (GBR) finished back on the podium, this time in second place, once again demonstrating aggressive technique and impressing the judges when she hit a mandatory drop in the top chute straight on and stomped a clean landing.
Spain’s Carmela Olmo rounded out the podium in third place, with the judges loving her aggressive race style turns, speed through the course and the confidence with which she hit features, including the ‘Jess Hotter Cliff’.
Canadian Jaimie Figueira, back for her fifth edition of The North Face Frontier and no stranger to the podium, took out the win in the women’s snowboard division. Sticking in the fall line and getting good air time, she linked fast, fluid turns all the way to the finish line.
“It was pretty spicy up the top, icy and rocky up there,” explained Figueira. “I was hoping to get through it just as fast as I could, and once I was in the main chute, I had some good flow and momentum. I hit the two airs at the bottom which I was really happy with. I was nervous about hitting them so I’m pretty proud of myself for that.”
Taking out second place in yesterday 4-star event, the Canadian said she’d enjoyed a relaxed approach to competition today. “The pressure was off which meant you could push yourself but still have fun.”
Italy’s Stefania Canclini, competing in just her fourth-ever competition was also delighted to finish her day in second place. She stood out for her strong technique and speed on course, incorporating small airs at the top of the course and finishing up with a stylish nose grab off the wind lip near the finish line.
Third place went to Angelina Stratton (Australia) who also put down a confident run, not holding back and hitting features with solid landings.
Last to drop was the men’s snowboard category with 4-star winner Vaughan Hardwick claiming victory again today. Earning 97.33 from a possible 100 points, there wasn’t much to fault in Hardwick’s run, with stylish front and backside 360s and a backflip off the wind lip to finish.
“I’m really happy to have a good run again and doing well is a bonus,” said Hardwick. “I got a couple of tricks in and made it down safely so I’m happy. I was feeling pretty stoked after yesterday.”
Second place went to New Zealander James Thompson who opted for a more traditional big mountain line, heading into the exposed rock sections on course and dropping the cliffs with solid landings and control.
Japan’s Haruki Takeuchi was third, standing out to the judges with a unique line and an impressive 360 in the fall line.
With standout performances across all categories and a deep field of international talent, the 2-star event at The Remarkables proved once again why The North Face Frontier remains a cornerstone of the freeride calendar.
3 days ago