December 10, 2023 – March 24, 2024
Freeride World Qualifier Team
Scroll down to the bottom of this page for additional program information.
For the 2023-2024 season, we’re launching an elite, 15-week program: the Freeride World Qualifier Team. This program is crafted to cater to athletes aged 18 and above, who aim to compete in Region 2 FWQ events. The program is designed to equip team members technical tactics tailored for a motivated adult participant. Those interested in joining should note that highly developed freeride skills are a prerequisite. Additionally, prior competition experience is highly recommended for successful integration into the team.
Lift Passes: Participants must have lift passes at both Big Sky and Bridger Bowl. (See Training tab below).
Minimum Participation: This program offering requires that at least ten (10) athletes register by November 15, 2023.
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- The team will train on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Bridger Bowl and on Sundays at Big Sky for the full day.
- The training schedule is subject to change depending on conditions.
- Participants must have lift passes at both Bridger Bowl and Big Sky.
- Freeride World Qualifier Team members are required to have certain equipment including, but not limited to, a ski helmet, back protector, and avalanche backpack.
Wallace Casper, Big Sky Coach
Wallace grew up in Salt Lake City where he was a member of the AltaBird Freeride team from age 11 to 18. He participated in dozens of competitions throughout his junior career. He won multiple regional and national events and was ranked 2nd IFSA overall in 2014. After graduating high school he attended Montana State University where he was the co-founder of the “Freeriders of MSU” collegiate club. He competed and managed the club for 2 seasons until starting coaching for BSSEF in 2016. He became the Freeride Team Head Coach in 2018. He is also the Director of the Northern Region for IFSA where he organizes the Montana and Wyoming competition series. Wallace is 1 of 7 IFSA L300 certified coaches in the country. He has coached junior athletes of all skill levels and his tactics have proven successful with kids under his guidance frequently receiving podium and 1st place finishes since his involvement.
Simon Lynes, Bridger Bowl Coach
Simon grew up skiing Berkshire East in Western Massachusetts. He attended Carrabassett Valley Academy in Maine, was a part of their backcountry team, and trained at Sugarloaf Mountain. After completing his studies, he moved to Wyoming where he worked for the Jackson Hole Evolution team for 10+ years. He was a huge part of the team’s development and success. During his time there, he coached multiple athletes to the top level including the Freeride Junior World Championship and North American Junior Championships. Simon has also coached multiple skiers at the professional skier status. After his time in Jackson, he moved to Montana to help start the junior freeride team at Bridger Bowl where he still works today. Simon is an athlete himself, he is sponsored by Salomon, Karbon, and TGR Optics and is a very passionate and motivated freeride skier.
