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The Molson Canadian Freeskiing Challenge held qualifying events at Red Mountain today under misty, gray skies and even some early-morning rain. The snow pack, heavy and grippy with moisture, tested about 60 male freeskiers hoping to qualify for tomorrow's main event. As it turned out, even a cranky weather god couldn't dampen the spirit of the event, its competitors, or the quick-thinking event directors.

Low early morning visibility forced a venue change from Lynx Line, the face of Granite, to Red Mountain proper. Race organizers and judges announced that the qualifier would be unique — a timed race down the fabled Cliff Dive off the top of Red.

The Cliff Dive, narrow and bumpy at the top, plunges into a groomed section about one-third of the way down where organizers set an impromptu but challenging super G into the finish. Rules were simple, ski the top section any way you want, then negotiate the gates to the finish. Fastest to the bottom, without falling, wins.

Without falling was the proviso. A hand down, a butt slide, a hip-check, a fall of any kind would result in DQ. You bite it, you're out.

The nimble Red Mountain staff rallied with amazing agility to change the venue, and within two hours had set a racecourse, erected a finish line and viewing area, placed a team of judges along the course, and even put in place a live MC for the event.

At 10:30 qualifiers began to fling themselves down the Cliff Dive one by one, and the spectacle proved both highly entertaining and a very true measure of freeskiing ability. There had been early speculation that the gates might favor former racers. Former racers said the tight bumps at the top favored bump rats. Head event Judge Michel Beaudry predicted "the cream will rise to the top in this race," and he was right.

Tacky snow conditions caused the top mogul section to get progressively difficult as the morning wore on (and warmed as temps reached the mid-30s) and there were a few impressive augurs but no serious injuries.

Of the 60-plus skiers competing today, 30 qualified for the main event, which will be held on Lynx Line Saturday morning at 9am. Local weather forecasts predict some snow tonight, lowering temps, and then possible clearing as early as 11am tomorrow.

The Lynx Line may favor a few of the local skiers like fastest qualifier today James Heim, a 19-year-old who broke his hand just three weeks ago but managed to clock an impressive 1:05:34. Visibly in pain, Heim shook his purple hand in anguish at the finish but managed a smile when he heard his time. He high-fived friends with his good hand.

Rounding out the silver and bronze were Pete Then of Fernie, BC (106.71) and Jaime Beauchesne of New Hampshire (107.25).

Seventeen women will compete in Saturday's semi-final, and 60 men. Approximately 30 were pre-qualified for the event based on points and results in other Big Mountain and Freeskiing competitions held earlier this season.

Right now all eyes (and ski tips) point to Mt. Roberts on Sunday, where the best of the best will huck, jib, rip and carve their own lines. As competitor bibs were handed out today, head judge Beaudry made another snap decision, one very popular with the competitors.

"The kicker next to the judges' stand will be clear and open for take off," he said to a throng of cheers. "Tomorrow is about freeskiing," he yelled, "it's a mountain festival so we as judges want you to put on a show. Show people what skiing in the 21st century is all about."

— Buddy Levy, MountainZone.com Correspondent