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Over 100 athletes are now confirmed to compete in this major freeskiing event for a piece of the $15,000 purse.

Among confirmed competitors are top male freeskiers Ryan Oakden of Whistler, British Columbia; Kevin Hjertass of Sunshine Village, Alberta; and Daisuke Sasaki of Towada, Japan. Female athletes will include: local favorite Meg Oster; Jennifer Ashton of Whistler, BC; and Sarah Oakden of Fernie, BC.

"We are thrilled with the response to the event," reports Jim Greene, Red Mountain's General Manager. "The interest has been so overwhelming that we had to halt registration. As of this morning we are only accepting athletes who are currently ranked by the IFSA."

Event organizers are not surprised by the high level of interest. "We are offering $15,000 in cash prizes, we are the only event in North America with TV coverage, and the entry fee is more than reasonable. This is the most attractive freeskiing competition on the Tour this year," says event director Jack Carey.

The competition is set to begin on Thursday, February 21 with the event qualifier. "[The qualifier] is the most gut-wrenching part of the competition," says freeskier Gabe Gaudet. "You have to nail your run otherwise you don't move on."

Successful qualifiers will continue their battles for the cash prizes on Mount Roberts on February 23 and 24.

Freeskiing events, also know as Big Mountain events, require skiers to complete a free run on a designated venue. Winners are determined by a panel of judges who score runs in five categories: degree of difficulty, form and technique, aggressiveness, fluidity, and control.