Red Bull Cold Rush, a three day backcountry freeskiing competition, will return for a second year at its stateside home of Silverton Mountain in Colorado. On March 12-15, Sean Pettit, Grete Eliassen and a host of the world’s best athletes will compete for the title of best all-around skier.  

Grete Eliassen charging big mountain lines at the 2011 edition of Red Bull Cold Rush.

The epitome of backcountry freestyle progression, the peer-judged competition consists of three different disciplines – Slopestyle, Big Mountain, and Cliffs. The male and female competitor who best earns the respect of their fellow skiers at the conclusion of the event will be awarded the top spots.

Leo Ahrens airs one out on the cliffs day.

Hosting the action will be one of the world’s foremost big mountain playgrounds, Silverton Mountain, North America’s highest and steepest ski area at 13,487’. Situated in the remote southwestern corner of Colorado, Silverton has 1,800 acres of bowls, chutes, and cliffs all served up au naturel without a groomer in sight. Red Bull Cold Rush features immense peaks and drool-worthy lines that force athletes to be creative and push the limits of the sport.  

Josh Bibby on the backcountry slopestyle course.

To get a glimpse of the action to come, check out highlights from last year’s Red Bull Cold Rush event at http://www.redbullusa.com/coldrush. For fans in the U.S., tune-in March 24th to Red Bull Cold Rush airing nationally on NBC at 1pm EST/10am PST. The event airs as part of a new sports programming block called the “Red Bull Signature Series” which features the most progressive snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, skiing and BMX events. For more information, visit http://www.redbullsignatureseries.com.