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Big White is welcoming thirty of the world's top Slopestyle mountain bike riders to test their skills at the mountain’s first ever Invitational Slopestyle Competition event.
Big White first welcomed visitors to the mountain's gnarly bike course in the summer of 2017 and has been operating year-round to keep the pro athletes prepped and ready for Big White's massive summer event.
Slopestyle athletes compete on specially designed outdoor courses that feature dramatic drops, jumps, and obstacles, receiving points for landing wild in-air tricks successfully.
"We have some of the best mountain bikers in the world here in British Columbia and we wanted to create a place for them to show off their talents in the Interior," said Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president at Big White Ski Resort.
As the newest addition to the Freeride Mountain Bike Association World Tour, the event is the only North American Gold Level competition for 2018 and the last chance for the pro riders to qualify for Joyride at Crankworx Whistler.
The event, which is expected to attract around 5,000 out-of-town visitors, received a handsome $35,000 donation from the provincial government to be put toward the promotion and organization of it, assisting in making it possible.
"This will be a very exciting, international competition," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture.
"It will help cement Big White's reputation as a year-round destination for world-class sporting events and provides a great boost to local tourism, bringing in thousands of visitors."
Aside from the gold competition for professional riders, amateur riders will have the opportunity to show off their skills in a separate bronze competition and have a chance to earn a wildcard entry into the gold competition.
Not only can spectators anticipate adrenaline pumping sport, they can also take in live music, movie nights, demonstrations and mini races for the kids during the jam-packed five-day event.
The Gold Qualifier round kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday night with the competition steadily carrying on through the weekend. Spectators are welcomed to take in the action any day of the weekend for free from Happy Valley. For a full event schedule, click here.
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