Gold in Copper Mountain

There truly is Gold in those Colorado hills – especially if you are Dara Howell of Huntsville, Ontario.

After a first run score of 82.00 that put her in 3rd place, Howell dug deep, went high and posted an 87.60 — the best score of the day to take home first place in the FIS US Grand Prix Slopestyle World Cup.

“I figured I could afford to let my second run flow. After I got my rails … it all just worked.” Worked it did as Howell’s final jump was a big flat 5 with a solid bow and arrow grab!

There was a moment when Dara and her coaches thought she might change the plan of her second run. Instead, Technical Coach JF Cusson, told her to increase her amplitude and go bigger. “On days like today, what impresses the judges is amplitude and landing the big tricks. Instead of changing anything, we told her to just go faster and higher”

“We’re really happy she went with it. It changed her destiny,” said Head Coach Toben Sutherland. We are all super happy for her!”

Nikki Blackall of Barrie, Ontario who trains with Winsport Academy in Calgary finished in 6th position.

Both Howell and Blackall grew up training with Sutherland at Coldwater Ontario’s Mount St. Louis.

On the Men’s side, Alex Beaulieau-Marchand, last weekend’s Dew Tour silver medalist ended up in 6th position.

He started his run with a double cork 7 and a double cork 1260, but lacked speed towards the end. “Without the speed I rushed my rotation, and missed the grab. If I had made it would have put me closer to the top, but I’m still happy I landed the run.”

Thanks to Canada Freestyle Ski for the info.