The Faction Collective Team in Canada post some great results on the big mountain and in the park during April

The 08/09 winter started out slow in Western Canada. Home to many of the Faction Collective's strongest contenders, these guys would not be satisfied until the last lift was closed, all the competitions were over and every kicker had been reduced to a shining puddle of cold water.

Alex Wall, who had earlier in the season shown his grit and determination at the Smith Optics Freeski Competition in Fernie, stepped up again at another Smith sponsored event in Lake Louise. This time he made it through the field like a star, going from 4th on the first day to 3rd on the second and ending up 2nd on the final day. His run to qualify for the final was fast and fluid, with 3 back-to-back 360°s, making the judges sure he was worthy. Nice work Alex on a well deserved podium after a turbulent but very productive season.

for a full update of the comp go to: http://www.biglines.com/blarticles/4510/Video_-_Lake_Louise_BMC_2009

The following week The Faction Collective team showed similar form at the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler. Mike Mertion went up against some of the best during the night time Big Air final in Whistler Village.  Along with fellow Vernon Mountain local Ian Cosco, Mike stomped all of his patented double cork 12's to finish in a respectable 4th place just out of reach of a final podium for the 08/09 winter season.

Spring, being the time to look towards the bright future ahead, saw Simon D'Artois again reaching for success. Simon has a head for competition, qualifying at the Aspen Open in February and again in April at the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival Superpipe qualifier. The weather was rough in the morning but as soon as the judges got things going, Simon made his way up the ranks and finished the day at 4th against some heavy competition.

For more updates about the big air go to:

http://www.newschoolers.com/web/content/news/news_id/2665/

Superpipe Qualifier:

http://www.newschoolers.com/web/content/news/news_id/2669/

The IFSA World Tour Finals in Alaska may have been the final Big Mtn. event of the season but its not the last time the Freeskiing World Tour will hear from Luke Nelson. Traditionally older than most freestylers, Big Mtn freeriders benefit from experience and well tuned skills. At 21 years old Luke is showing that he can have both, the explosive benefits of youth and the knowledge of the mountain gathered while growing up in Alaska. Luke finished just one point out of 2nd Place in Alaska in a very close competition where he ended up 4th. Overall he finished 5th in the season long Freeskiing World Tour during his first year of full on competition. We look forward to hearing and seeing more from him next year like this patented spread eagle on the competition face.

More info about Alaska and the tour at:

http://www.freeskiingworldtour.com

So a big shout to all the Faction Team skiing hard around the world during the 08/09 winter. Now that the white stuff has disappeared and the chairs have stopped turning, some will go South, some will go to Whistler and some will just stay home. Whatever they choose we know they will keep pushing their limits and improving for the next winter to come......over and out.