Carson Hawes atop the podium

Undaunted by the steep and technical backcountry ski terrain — not to mention wind, cold and high altitude — the Alyeska Ski Club’s Freeride Team excelled at a junior national International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association competition in Grand Targhee, Wyoming.

Carson Hawes led the way by winning the male Under 12 ski division. He scored 63.16 in two runs to top the runner-up from Montana by 0.6 points.

In the male age 12-14 division, Reed Naspinsky was fifth while Cameron Hoessle placed ninth and Mason Newell 11th.

“(Reed) sent one of the biggest airs of the day, launching 35 feet over an exposed section of rock,” Alyeska Freeride head coach Connor Michael reported.

Reed Naspinsky at the top of his run

In the female age 12-14 group, Quinzee Elsberg placed third, Payton Ostrinski took fourth and Lauren Johnson was 12th.

In the 15-18 age group, Kikken Schleusner placed 11th for the girls and Chance Newell was 15th for the boys.

“The team is well on their way to earning enough points to get them invites to the IFSA North American Championships in April, where they will compete against the top 175 athletes in North America, out of the 3,000-plus competitive freeride athletes in Region 2,” Michael said in his competition report.