Words: Josh Bishop

Photos: John Vandervalk & Josh Bishop

Pipe competitions thrive on speed, amplitude and perfect visibility. The ability to spot landings, grab rotations and obtain enough amplitude to initiate tricks is drastically hindered by precipitation. At the top of the course, you're nervous, there's very little food in your system, and your sole focus is making it down the pipe.

Hundreds of fans, thousands of online viewers and all your sponsors look on as you slip into the start gate at a nationally televised event. With fresh snow and flat light, differentiating between the pipe wall and the sky is nearly impossible as competitors send their most difficult tricks hit after hit. Some athletes stomp the best runs of their lives, others bobble slightly on otherwise perfect runs, while some struggle with horrific falls, equipment failure and difficult conditions.

As a result, the bottom of the pipe is an endless symphony of high fives, indescribable stress, pain, suffering, pure joy, and genuine camaraderie. Male or female, veteran or rookie, super pro or unpaid, criticized or well liked, all competitors know the sacrifice of skiing their absolute best in front of friends, family, and the world. More significant than medals, podiums, and well-deserved exposure, competitions push the sport, encourage highly talented athletes to ski with absolute perfection, and enhance the bond between individuals who thrive in a sub-culture completely removed from reality.

Head on over to the Newschoolers to check out the full recap and results. Click the picture above to see all incredible action.