Thanks to the contributors of the great community of Haines, the16th annual Olen Nash Memorial Big Air was a success again! Thirteen local competitors ranging from beginner to advanced found themselves clicking in their skis and strapping in their snowboards above a pile of snow carved into a beautiful, big air jump. With bluebird conditions and smiles on faces, the competition went smoothly, with plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as local competitors “hucked carcass” off the jump.

This event takes on a life of its own as the community comes together to encourage youth to get active in the backcountry. Without the help of big air supporters, this couldn’t happen.

First, thanks to an old friend that started this event when this year’s oldest competitor was only three years old. Olen Nash and the Nash family are mostly responsible for this whole event. Secondly, the guys with shovels. Without you, this event could not take place. Also, huge thanks to the businesses that donated prizes.

This year was made especially awesome by a visit from world-class snowboarders Chris Coulter and Wyatt Caldwell and their Eddie Bauer / First Ascent Airstream trailer. Thanks for helping stoke the event, and for pulling out giant speakers, sending tunes  over the mountain and relaying announcements to spectators from the hilltop.

Big thanks to parents helping out, and U.S. and Canadian customs working extra hard on Big Air day.

The competitors are warriors for their courage and love for the outdoors. See you next year!          

                                                                     Luck Dunbar