Big mountain fans watch some of the world's best skiers and riders compete in the CFC.
STIHL Colorado Freeride Championships (CFC) is back at Snowmass Feb. 29-March 1. This world class event, will bring the best (and bravest) male and female freeride skiers and snowboarders to the Hanging Valley Headwall for qualifying runs Friday. More than 100 competitors will find lines in the rock- and cliff-covered, steep-as-all terrain--judged on line choice difficulty, speed, fluidity, control, and aggressiveness. Only those who qualify will proceed to the championships Saturday on the Burn Side Cliffs. Last year Plum caught up with the CFC commentator, two-time CFC winner, (and newly turned author) Vince Lahey to learn how to make the cut and take home first.
Guide to CFC--Vince Lahey Style
1. There has to be a comfort level with taking risks. Competitors have to push themselves to the next level, force themselves to make one more step.
2. You have four guys at the bottom of the mountain judging what you are doing so do what you think will look the most challenging to them.
3. The best competitor is looking for the place that no one has ever gone, in essence, you have to ski the hardest line out there, the best.
4. Reset what can't be done--every time you think something is impossible, someone does it and does a backflip.
5. It's going to be the person who says maybe I can do this... and then does.
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