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Press Release

Big Sky Employee Takes 1st in U.S. Powder 8 Competition

BIG SKY, Mont. - The National Powder 8 competition was held this year in Aspen, CO on March 1 and 2. Teammates Troy Nedved and Nick Herrin took 1st place and received a trip to compete in the Powder 8 World Championships in Blue River, British Columbia, Canada.

Thursday, March 1, was the qualifier. Held in the Aspen Highlands bowl, 36 teams of two took a snow cat, followed by an hour hike to go head to head for the elite eight spots. Friday, March 2, the top eight teams skied their Powder 8's in three feet of fresh powder. Judges evaluated the teams' speed, dynamics, synchronization and aggressiveness.

Powder 8 competitions have been around since the beginning of downhill skiing. Starting as a ski patrol activity, the competitiveness has grown vastly in the past few decades. The U.S. National Powder 8 competitions were held at Jackson Hole for many years and in Big Sky from 2001-2004. They currently call Aspen, CO home.

"There were a lot of new teams this year that I had not seen before," said Nedved. "It's a pretty competitive event, a great way for us to train and travel."

Troy and Nick have been Powder 8 partners for over 5 years. Troy is the Assistant Snowsports Director and has worked at Big Sky for 10 years. Nick Herrin previously worked at Big Sky Resort in the Snowsports School and in Sales and Marketing. He is a PSIA national demo team member. They have won 1st place in the U.S. Powder 8's three times together. Troy has won an additional fourth time.

Along with the win, Troy and Nick receive a free trip to the World Powder 8 Championships. For over 25 years, Mike Wiegele, owner of a Helicopter skiing operation, has assisted with hosting the World Powder 8s in Blue River, British Columbia, Canada.

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