Snow and Glory: Monster Energy Athletes Dominate at Copper Mountain
December 23, 2024, 10:22 pm
Copper Mountain, Colorado, was the stage for a thrilling display of athleticism and innovation as Monster Energy athletes carved their names into the snow at two major events: the inaugural X Games Street Style Pro and the FIS World Cup Halfpipe competition. The crisp mountain air buzzed with excitement as these athletes pushed the boundaries of what is possible on snow.
The X Games Street Style Pro, held from December 20-21, showcased a new frontier in snow sports. This event was a melting pot of creativity and technical prowess. The street-style format brought urban obstacles to the slopes, transforming the competition into a vibrant tapestry of tricks and stunts. Athletes had to navigate rails, walls, and jumps, all while impressing judges with their skill and style.
Colby Stevenson, a 27-year-old from Park City, Utah, emerged as the king of the mountain in the Men's Ski Street Style final. His performance was a masterclass in technical skiing. With a bag full of tricks, he executed a flawless 270 on the rooftop, followed by a 270 off transfer to rail. The judges were captivated. His final rail trick, a rightside 450 switch, sealed his victory. Stevenson’s run was not just about landing tricks; it was about making a statement. He owned the course, and the judges rewarded him with the top spot.
Right behind him was fellow Park City native Alex Hall, 26, who claimed second place. Hall’s run was a symphony of creativity. He danced across the course, seamlessly transitioning from wallrides to rails. His technical moves, including a switch 270 tail tap and a drift on a double switch up, showcased his versatility. Hall’s performance was a reminder that in street style, innovation is just as important as execution.
The women’s competition also saw a rising star. Fifteen-year-old Lily Dhawornvej from Frisco, Colorado, made waves by clinching third place. Her youthful exuberance shone through as she executed a series of impressive tricks, including a technical 50-50 to front flip and a 50-50 gap to lipslide pretzel. Dhawornvej’s performance not only earned her a podium finish but also an invitation to compete at X Games Aspen 2025. The future looks bright for this young talent.
Just a day later, the FIS World Cup at Copper Mountain brought more excitement. The Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe final was a showcase of grit and determination. Ayumu Hirano, a 26-year-old from Japan, faced a rocky start. After two unsuccessful runs, he found himself in a precarious position. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Hirano delivered a jaw-dropping final run. He opened with his signature triple cork 1440 Weddle, followed by a series of complex tricks that culminated in a score of 97.00 points. This victory marked Hirano’s seventh win at a FIS World Cup event, solidifying his status as a snowboarding legend.
Hirano’s teammate, Yuto Totsuka, also from Japan, claimed second place. Totsuka’s run was a display of technical mastery, featuring a perfect combination of switch backside double corks and frontside double corks. His score of 94.75 points kept him in the spotlight, proving that the competition was fierce. Both athletes showcased the depth of talent in the Japanese snowboarding scene, creating an all-Japanese podium that left spectators in awe.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The Men’s Freeski Halfpipe final saw Brendan Mackay from Alberta, Canada, take second place with a stunning performance. His run included switch left double corks and back-to-back double 1260s, earning him a score of 91.25 points. Mackay’s aerial skills and technical finesse made him a standout in a highly competitive field.
In the Women’s Freeski Halfpipe, Cassie Sharpe from Comox, Canada, secured third place. Her run was a nail-biter, with only a 1.5-point difference between her and the top spot. Sharpe’s ability to finesse her tricks, including back-to-back 900s and a left 1080 tailgrab, showcased her experience and skill. The competition was tight, but Sharpe’s performance reminded everyone that every point counts in this high-stakes arena.
As the dust settled on Copper Mountain, one thing was clear: Monster Energy athletes are not just competitors; they are pioneers. They redefine what is possible on snow, pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation. The X Games Street Style Pro and the FIS World Cup were not just events; they were celebrations of passion, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
With the 2024/25 snow sports season in full swing, fans can expect more thrilling performances from these athletes. The next stop is Laax, Switzerland, for the FIS Snowboard World Cup on January 17-18, 2025. As these athletes continue to chase their dreams, the world watches in anticipation. The mountains may be cold, but the spirit of competition burns bright.
The X Games Street Style Pro, held from December 20-21, showcased a new frontier in snow sports. This event was a melting pot of creativity and technical prowess. The street-style format brought urban obstacles to the slopes, transforming the competition into a vibrant tapestry of tricks and stunts. Athletes had to navigate rails, walls, and jumps, all while impressing judges with their skill and style.
Colby Stevenson, a 27-year-old from Park City, Utah, emerged as the king of the mountain in the Men's Ski Street Style final. His performance was a masterclass in technical skiing. With a bag full of tricks, he executed a flawless 270 on the rooftop, followed by a 270 off transfer to rail. The judges were captivated. His final rail trick, a rightside 450 switch, sealed his victory. Stevenson’s run was not just about landing tricks; it was about making a statement. He owned the course, and the judges rewarded him with the top spot.
Right behind him was fellow Park City native Alex Hall, 26, who claimed second place. Hall’s run was a symphony of creativity. He danced across the course, seamlessly transitioning from wallrides to rails. His technical moves, including a switch 270 tail tap and a drift on a double switch up, showcased his versatility. Hall’s performance was a reminder that in street style, innovation is just as important as execution.
The women’s competition also saw a rising star. Fifteen-year-old Lily Dhawornvej from Frisco, Colorado, made waves by clinching third place. Her youthful exuberance shone through as she executed a series of impressive tricks, including a technical 50-50 to front flip and a 50-50 gap to lipslide pretzel. Dhawornvej’s performance not only earned her a podium finish but also an invitation to compete at X Games Aspen 2025. The future looks bright for this young talent.
Just a day later, the FIS World Cup at Copper Mountain brought more excitement. The Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe final was a showcase of grit and determination. Ayumu Hirano, a 26-year-old from Japan, faced a rocky start. After two unsuccessful runs, he found himself in a precarious position. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Hirano delivered a jaw-dropping final run. He opened with his signature triple cork 1440 Weddle, followed by a series of complex tricks that culminated in a score of 97.00 points. This victory marked Hirano’s seventh win at a FIS World Cup event, solidifying his status as a snowboarding legend.
Hirano’s teammate, Yuto Totsuka, also from Japan, claimed second place. Totsuka’s run was a display of technical mastery, featuring a perfect combination of switch backside double corks and frontside double corks. His score of 94.75 points kept him in the spotlight, proving that the competition was fierce. Both athletes showcased the depth of talent in the Japanese snowboarding scene, creating an all-Japanese podium that left spectators in awe.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The Men’s Freeski Halfpipe final saw Brendan Mackay from Alberta, Canada, take second place with a stunning performance. His run included switch left double corks and back-to-back double 1260s, earning him a score of 91.25 points. Mackay’s aerial skills and technical finesse made him a standout in a highly competitive field.
In the Women’s Freeski Halfpipe, Cassie Sharpe from Comox, Canada, secured third place. Her run was a nail-biter, with only a 1.5-point difference between her and the top spot. Sharpe’s ability to finesse her tricks, including back-to-back 900s and a left 1080 tailgrab, showcased her experience and skill. The competition was tight, but Sharpe’s performance reminded everyone that every point counts in this high-stakes arena.
As the dust settled on Copper Mountain, one thing was clear: Monster Energy athletes are not just competitors; they are pioneers. They redefine what is possible on snow, pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation. The X Games Street Style Pro and the FIS World Cup were not just events; they were celebrations of passion, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
With the 2024/25 snow sports season in full swing, fans can expect more thrilling performances from these athletes. The next stop is Laax, Switzerland, for the FIS Snowboard World Cup on January 17-18, 2025. As these athletes continue to chase their dreams, the world watches in anticipation. The mountains may be cold, but the spirit of competition burns bright.