Costain takes freeskiing title at Snowbird

Whitefish High School freshman Parkin Costain wrapped up his competitive ski season this month with a win a the IFSA finals at Snowbird, Utah. The victory solidified Costain’s position as the big mountain freeskiing series points leader for the 12-14 category.

After two unusually warm days during qualifying runs, final runs were held on a cold day with high winds and snow squalls. Constant delays meant Costain, who went last after qualifying first, didn’t drop into his line until nearly 4 p.m.

The 14-year-old skied smart in the unpredictable conditions, reigning back his airs and speed enough to stay on his feet and hold onto first.

Big mountain freeskiing is a subjectively judged discipline in which competitors choose unique lines down steep mountain faces and attempt to ski as energetically and stylishly as possible, hitting airs and skiing fast while remaining in total control. A winning run should be as dynamic and fun to watch as a backcountry segment from a major ski movie.

IFSA judges held competitors to a high standard of control this season in an effort to keep the sport safe and progressive, with any obvious lack of control resulting in substantial scoring penalties. Costain held himself to a remarkable standard this winter, winning three of his five major competitions in Fernie, B.C., Grand Targhee, Wyo., and the Snowbird finals. He placed second at Lake Louise, Alberta and fourth at an earlier Snowbird event.

When not competing or skiing for fun this winter, Costain spent time capturing footage for a video that he recently self-edited and posted in an online contest hosted by Teton Gravity Research. For a good representation of Costain's style of skiing, check out his edit at here.

Numerous sponsors helped Costain succeed this season, including Line Skis, Full Tilt, Flylow, Smith Optics, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau and White Room Mountain Shop.