Kings & Queens of Corbet's

The inaugural Kings and Queens of Corbet’s went out just as the athletes went in: with a bang.

It was arguably the biggest and boldest competition the ski industry has ever seen. Twenty-five of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders sent the world-famous couloir like no one has before.

Two of them were crowned King and Queen at the Many Moose on Saturday, Feb. 3rd. Karl Fostvedt’s second run earned him the King’s crown, and Caite Zeliff was crowned Queen. In second place, Sander Hadley and Kara Munsey, respectively, cashed in. Snowboarders Mikey Morohn and Hana Beaman took third place.  JHMR is pleased to announce that all the winning athletes male and female will receive equal cash compensation.  That prize money is $8,000 for first place, $4,000 for second place and $3,000 for third place.

This athlete judged competition recognized the winners for their bold, creative lines and clean execution.  Skiers and snowboarder alike were going head to head for the crown.

Professional skier and JHMR Events and Partnership Manager Jess McMillan emphasized innovation and performance—and, of course, safety. She wanted each athlete to showcase their strengths and creativity. “Athletes, do you,” she told the crew on the first tram up the morning of the comp. “Give 110 percent. Whatever you can nail, nail it.”

McMillan’s speech seemed to resonate with the athletes, as each competitor made it through both runs safely and relatively unscathed. And the tricks were huge.

It was hard to tell where the stoke was higher, on top of the couloir or down below in Tensleep Bowl. Up above, competitors watched, cheered, and planned their lines. But down below, the crowd went wild as they witnessed tricks and lines no one had ever seen before.  The day only allowed for two runs per athlete, but no one wasted any time

Sun Valley-based skier Teton Brown threw two double backflips, one each round.

“When in trouble, tuck for double,” Brown joked at the bottom of his first run.

“I’m so stoked I was able to land that!” second-place winner Munsey exclaimed after her first run. “I was not expecting to. I just went for it. Hopefully the other ladies are ready to do the same.”

The other women indeed rose to the challenge. Right after Munsey’s run, Montana skier MacKenzie Lisac threw the first backflip of the day.  Sophia Schwartz and Veronica Paulsen did the same, crediting Lisac’s inspiration.

Everyone agreed that high energy, good conditions (it was an unexpectedly sunny day) and support from fellow athletes made the day so special. “I couldn’t be more excited,” said Zeliff, the newly crowned Queen of Corbets. “My one goal was to win. I’m just proud to be part of this great event.”

Local snowboarding legend Rob Kingwill said he could feel Doug Coombs, the late skier for whom Coombs Cave is named, watching over him as he rode, and high-fiving him when it was over.

“It was a damn good day,” Kingwill said.

By. Shannon Sollitt

RESULTS

Kings

1 – Karl Fostvedt

2 – Sander Hadley

3 – Mikey Marohn

4 – Forrest Jillson

5 – Hans Mindnich

6 – Griffin Post

7 – Cam Fitzpatrick

8 – Blaine Gallivan

9 – Blake Paul

10 – Mike King

11 – Jeff Leger

12 – Teton Brown

13 – Chris Logan

14 – Ryan Cruz

15 –Mark Carter

16 – Coen Bennie- Faull

17 – Rob Kingwill

18 – Griffin Dunne

Queens

1- Caite Zeliff

2- Kara Munsey

3- Hana Beaman

4- Tami Razinger

5- Veronica Paulsen

6- McKenzie Lisac

7- Sophia Schwart