Deer Valley to host championships

Due to a lack of snowfall in California, Deer Valley has stepped in to host the 2014 USANA U.S. Freestyle Championships March 28-30.

Originally scheduled to take place at Heavenly Valley, the three-day event will feature the best American athletes competing in moguls, dual moguls and Aerials.

2014 Olympians Brad Wilson, Ashley Caldwell and Mac Bohonnon will lead the team of Deer Valley-sponsored athletes at the event.

Additionally, 2014 bronze medalist Hannah Kearney, two-time Olympian Pat Deneen and 2010 Olympian Bryon Wilson are scheduled to compete in the moguls event.

"Deer Valley is pleased to be able to step in and host the U.S. Freestyle Championships for our partners at the U.S. Ski Team," Deer Valley president and general manager Bob Wheaton said in a press release. "We are excited to showcase the athletes right on the heels of the 2014 Winter Games and offer our guests a chance to see them compete live."

Deer Valley has hosted the Freestyle World Championships twice, in 2003 and 2011. The resort is also going to bid on the 2019 World Championships later this year at a FIS meeting in Spain.

Also, Deer Valley is a yearly stop on the World Cup tour, most recently hosting an event in January of this year.

In a previous interview with The Park Record, Wheaton said Deer Valley is a popular stop for all athletes.

"We hear time and time again that Deer Valley is the best stop on the World Cup tour worldwide," he said. "I would like to think our crew here is top-notch. They put on a great show for the athletes and the athletes’ support systems. They all really enjoy coming to Deer Valley."

The events will kick off on Friday, March 28, with the moguls qualifications, beginning at 9:55 a.m. Saturday will feature an aerials competition and, on Sunday, the mogul skiers will be back on course for the dual moguls competition.

Mogul events will be held on the Champion run, with aerials to be held on the nearby White Owl run.

All events are free and open to the public.

— Compiled by Adam Spencer

Event Schedule

Friday, March 28