The 2010/2011North American competition season is now officially underway. With the conclusion of today's Grand Prix Halfpipe Finals at Copper Mtn. Co it appears as though the vertical scene hasn't gotten the memo that this is going to be an off year for the points chasers.

According to the Copper Facebook page 9" of fresh had graced the resort overnight. Well 9" was an understatement as thigh deep drifts enveloped much of the mountain. The all-time conditions appeased the pow hungry shreds looking to get some before the event but organizers were left with a panic to clear the decks and trannies of Coppers famed 22' U-Tube before the 11:30 start.

With the trannies swept the riders were left with a pipe that had firm walls and a packed powder flat bottom, which despite the best efforts of the Copper park and pipe crew is less than ideal. Nonetheless the international field persevered and put on a solid show.

For the ladies a first class international field found their way into the finals with all but two of the competitors veterans of the Vancouver Olympics. Riding well but encountering some untimely falls was Japan's Soko Yamaoka. Canada's Sarah Conrad, Spain's Queralt Castellet, America's Ellery Holligsworth and Australia's Holly Crawford.

Head on over to SnowboarderMag.com for all the details, results and photos with hilarious captions.