Registration for this year’s Subaru Freeskiing World Tour Qualifier in Jackson Hole filled up within approximately 90 seconds. If you slept in a few minutes too long, were in a location with spotty internet, or had to go to the bathroom, you probably missed out. With over 100 competitors stuck on the waiting list hoping for a chance to compete, it’s safe to say that interest in big-mountain competitions is the strongest it has ever been and continues to grow. There are murmurs circulating about growing the tour next year, both by expanding event size and adding extra qualifier events.

I was lucky enough to type in my information and press send quickly enough to secure a spot in the qualifier, so last week my friend and I packed our bags and drove from Aspen to Jackson Hole (with a quick stop in Alta) so that I could try my luck at my first Subaru Freeskiing World Tour event.