Local snowboarder Bradley Lamoreaux, 18, of Pagosa Springs, has been traveling overseas, to Canada and around the U.S. to compete in multiple snowboard Freeride World Tour (FWT) qualifying events, with the ultimate goal of earning a spot on the FWT Challenger Series this season.
Lamoreaux’s recent adventures began with a trip to Austria in January, where he competed in the Yeti Freeride Junior World Championships at Kappl Ski Resort, where he earned a score of 68 points to place fifth in the competition out of 13 riders, he explained in an interview.
“It was pretty sweet,” Lamoreaux said, explaining he was able to meet and ride with professional athletes.
Lamoreaux then traveled to Canada on his first solo trip out of the country, describing it as a “learning experience,” from navigating traveling logistics to learning different styles of judging depending on the competition.
He explained that U.S. competitions typically focus on riders being technical with their runs and their ability to stay in control, noting that falls or “butt checks” usually result in points being deducted. In the Austria and Canadian competitions he competed in, judges give more points for bigger air, and drops and falls don’t necessarily deduct points so long as “fluidity” is maintained.
Lamoreaux competed in his first two four-star adult FWT qualifying competitions while in Canada, taking part in the Kicking Horse and Revelstoke qualifying events, placing 15th and sixth, respectively.
Remaining competitions on the list for Lamoreaux this season include stops at Snowbird in Utah this week, Crested Butte and Taos, N.M.
He explained that riders are judged based on their top three scores from qualifying competitions in hopes of receiving an invite to the FWT Challenger series. From there, the top two riders from the FWT Challenger series are invited to the FWT World Tour — the highest level of competition under the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA).
“Definitely hoping to make it to the Challengers this year,” Lamoreaux said.
As of Feb. 18, Lamoreaux was the 33rd-ranked snowboarder in the world, according to the FWT and IFSA, he indicates in a message to The SUN.
Of the competitions Lamoreaux has competed in so far this season, he mentioned he felt the best about his performance in Austria, noting the competition had good snow conditions.
He explained that although being fatigued from traveling, the time change and an intense hike up to the starting point, Lamoureux had the most fun throwing down his line in Austria.
“Which was the goal going into it,” he said, explaining he did not want to ride conservative and aimed to “go big.”
The lack of snow locally at Wolf Creek Ski Area this season has kept Lamoreaux from missing home too much, though he was able to ride his home mountain a couple of times in between competitions, noting it’s “fun knowing where to go.”
Lamoreaux also acknowledged the community’s support in his adventures.
“I could not have done it without the Pagosa community, that’s for sure,” he said, explaining a fundraiser was held earlier.
“That helped so much,” he added, mentioning he’s been enjoying traveling, learning and competing with some of the best snowboarders from around the world.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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