The K-Factor: Grit, Grace, and the Spirit of the 'DaWood’
#StokeLevelzPinned, just coming back up for air after the Tahoe Jr. Freeride Series (TJFS) Stop #3, and let me be clear, the energy at the 'Wood this past weekend was something spiritual. If you weren’t there, you missed a masterclass in grit, style, and that pure, unadulterated mountain soul that only the high Sierra can provide. Kirkwood Mountain Resort - my home, my heart - played host to the next generation of big mountain rippers, and despite #MotherNature throwing her full “Flex” at us, the tribe showed up, tuned in, and absolutely threw down.
The Village: Guardians of the Stoke
Before we get into the lines and the landings, we need to take a mindful pause. Events like this don’t just happen; they are willed into existence by a legion of unsung heroes. We always love to be up at KirkwoodMtn, but this weekend reminded me exactly why this community is so tight. It takes a village to raise a Freeride athlete, and man, what a village we have.
First, a massive, heartfelt tip’o’tha hat to the Kirkwood Mountain Operations Team. You all are the backbone of this mountain.
To the Patrol: Shennon and krew - Thank you for all you do, and for watching over these young athletes in some seriously rowdy conditions. You are the guardians of the steep and deep, keeping the venue safe when the elements are trying to say otherwise.
To Lift Operations: Keeping the bull wheels spinning when the winds are howling out of the East at 110mph is nothing short of heroic. Thank you all for the ride to the top.
To Mountain Ops & Grooming: For wrestling the snow into submission and giving us a world-class venue to play on.
To the Marketing, Tickets, Events, and Food & Beverage teams: For hospitality, logistics, and keeping the #StokeLevel high all weekend long.
The TJFS Leadership & Family
We have to give a massive shout-out to the leadership team that keeps this ship steering true through the storm.
To our Judges: Standing (well, sitting) in the elements, eyes glued to the hill, making the tough calls with integrity and focus - we all appreciate your sharp pencils and eagle eyes.
To our Technical Director, the legendary Tom Burt: Thank you for your wisdom, your venue assessment, and for keeping the standards high.
To our Executive Director, Jason Dobbs: The captain of the ship, thank you for the vision and the grind.
And to TJFS’s very own superhero - Madison. You are the glue, the spark, and the magic that makes it all happen behind the scenes and on the hill. Superhero status: Confirmed.
The Start Gate Vibes
And we have to give a special shoutout to the man, the myth, the gatekeeper himself - Randy Calvin. Whether it’s Winds, Blizzards, Snow, Sun, rain, or the dreaded “Snain,” Randy is up top holding court. He’s flowing riders, keeping the vibe high, and locking it down every single day. The start gate is the church, and Randy keeps the service running smoothly.
And of course, the Parents—the Sherpas of the TJFS circuit - waking up at 0-Dark-Thirty, sharpening, waxing decks & skis, hauling gear, and cheering until your voices crack. To the Volunteers, the Ninjas, the Scorecard Runners, the Set-up and Breakdown crews - THANK YOU. You are the “Fire in the belly” of this community.
The Sit-Rep: A Tale of Two Days
Let’s be candid - Ole #MotherNature didn’t make it easy on us. She wanted to see what type of mettle we are made of.
Day #1: The Battle in the “Light Breeze”
Saturday was a true test of character. It was cold, and the winds were absolutely howling out of the East, peaking at a staggering 110mph atop Chair 6. It was raw, it was wild, and it was undeniably Kirkwood. The snow was a mixed bag—variable, tough lighting, and let’s be honest, a little “sharky” in spots. It was chalky, wind-affected, and technical. You couldn’t just point and shoot; you had to drive the ski, anticipate the terrain, and trust your edges. But man, was it fun!
Day #2: The Reward
Sunday broke with that classic Sierra clarity. Cold, Sunny, and blessedly light winds. The snow remained variable - #Firm&Fast was the theme of the day. It was still chalky and wind-affected with those hidden sharks lurking for the unaware, but the visibility opened up the playground. The athletes adjusted their lines, bringing a bit more speed and fluidity to the venue. It was a day for high-speed technical precision and finding the stash of softer stuff where the wind had deposited it.
The Action: Dropping In
The level of riding we saw this weekend was next level. These athletes didn’t just survive the conditions; they thrived in them, turning a challenging venue into a playground.
The Young Guns (U15 Ski Men)
The future is looking fast, my friends. The home team defended the turf with serious style in the U15 category. Thorsten Kremer (KWFT) took the top spot, navigating the sharky tech sections with a maturity way beyond his years. Right on his heels was Jackson Pataky (KWFT), who found a line that was pure creativity, and Jake Mullens (KWFT), who rounded out a Kirkwood sweep of the podium. These groms were charging the fall line like it was a groomer. Owen Vaughan (OVFT) and Jackson Gifford (KWFT) kept the pressure on, proving that the depth of talent in this field is bottomless.
Surfing the Earth (U19 Snowboard Women)
The ladies on the single planks brought the surf vibe to the high alpine. Lucille McCarthy (KWFT) found the flow state, slashing wind-lips and linking turns through the rock gardens with effortless style to take the win. Dalilah Yates (MMSST) brought that Mammoth power to the 'Wood, stomping her landings and riding strong for second, while Asta Hartwell (KWFT) kept it playful and fun to secure third.
Grace Under Pressure (U19 Ski Women)
This category is fierce. Hania Nowak (PTFT) was on a mission, attacking the venue with aggression and airing the mandatory features with zero hesitation to claim victory. Norah Hinson (MMSST) skied a smart, tactical line, showcasing precise footwork, for second place. Madeleine Yang (KWFT) used that local knowledge to find the soft snow stashes and put down a beautiful run for third. Teagan Cates (KWFT) and Tabby Silvern (PTFT) rounded out the top five, showing us all that #GirlPower is alive and well in the Sierra.
The Heavy Hitters (U19 Ski Men)
The men’s field was so stacked it felt like a Freeride World Tour stop. We saw massive airs, technical gaps, and high-speed destruction of the variable snow.
In one heat, Nathanael Balkenbush (OVFT) put down a run that was loud and fast, claiming the top spot with authority. Lucas Conta (KWFT) kept it smooth and steep for second, and Hudson Bigley (KWFT) brought the flow for third.
In the other flight, Mark Hart (OVFT) was unstoppable, gapping sharky sections that no one else touched to take the win. Kip Walbrun (KWFT) was charging hard, boosting airs off every available feature for second, and Nate Jones (KWFT) skied with that signature Kirkwood aggression to take third.
A huge shoutout to the rest of the pack—Cameron Smith (Far West), Wyatt Slater (MMSST), Bartek Nowak (OVFT), and Aiden Sommers (MMSST). You guys put on a show.
The Wrap: This weekend stripped everything back to the raw essence of Freeride. When the elements are this fierce, the leaderboard fades away, and it becomes entirely about the present moment. It’s about standing on that ridge with the wind screaming in your face, looking down at a line that demands your absolute respect, and finding the quiet confidence to drop in. It’s about the shared energy of the tribe - knowing that every person in that finish corral is riding that line with you, cheering not just for the stomped landings, but for the courage it took to send it.
To every athlete who dropped in: You earned your turns this weekend. You battled the elements, you respected the mountain, and you showcased the true spirit of the TJFS.
Looking Ahead: The Caravan Moves North
The #StokeSoulTrain keeps rolling. Mark your calendars, because we are heading to the North Shore:
IFSA 3-Star Qualifier - Palisades Tahoe: February 4th
IFSA Jr 3-Star - Palisades Tahoe: February 6th - 7th - 8th
As we look ahead, let’s be real - this weekend was a battle. It was brutal, bone-chilling, and windy enough to blow the foam off of CJ’s macchiato, soy latte. But the tribe endured, and that’s what makes us stronger. Now, we turn our eyes to the horizon and put in a serious request to #MaNatural for a reload. We are manifesting a quintessential 3’ #ColdSmoke dumping - hell, let’s make it two.
Until next time, keep the fire in your belly and tips-up.
Stay’nThirsty for POW
Coop
