Bristol Mountain To Host 2020, 2021 U.S. Aerials Freestyle Championships
The newest American aerials site, Mikey’s Jump at Bristol Mountain’s High Point Terrain Park, will serve as the host site for the next two U.S. Aerials Freestyle National Championships, with events confirmed 2020 and 2021.
“We are thrilled that Bristol Mountain has built this new venue to host training for our nation’s elite athletes and conduct national and international competition,” said Jeremy Forster, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of Freestyle/Freeski/Snowboard. “We look forward to welcoming the United States’ aerials community for the next two years at our national championship event in New York.”
The event will welcome the United States’ top athletes to compete for the National Championship. Spanning four days, including training, the championships will culminate with finals on Saturday, March 14, 2020, and Saturday, March 13, 2021, respectively, providing spectators ample opportunity to cheer as athletes soar to heights of more than 50 feet above the Bristol Valley. In freestyle aerials, athletes complete a series of acrobatic maneuvers in the air after skiing off jumps that range in height from seven feet, six-inches, to 13-feet, six-inches. Athletes are judged based on their amplitude (height and distance in the air), form (style and execution), and landing.
“Bristol Mountain is excited to be hosting the 2020 and 2021 U.S. Aerials Freestyle Championships,” said Bristol Mountain Vice President Steven Fuller. “When we began construction of Mikey’s Jump last year, we envisioned the site being utilized for training and competition. Hosting an event of this prestige adds a lot of excitement to the sport and the Rochester Community. We are thrilled that not only will be hosting the national championships but will also have the opportunity to watch our hometown athletes compete. We can’t wait to cheer them on!”
Last year’s champions U.S. Aerial Champions were Bristol Mountain’s own Chris Lillis (Pittsford, N.Y.) and Winter Vinecki (Gaylord, Mich.). Chris’s brother Jonathon Lillis finished second. The results of the 2020 and 2021 Championships will be used for the selection of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, and to award start positions for World Cup competition.
