TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. — Yesterday, Feb. 5 the Kings and Queens of Corbet’s athletes had an opportunity to preview the course, session the jumps at the bottom and pick the brains of the builders who shaped this year’s course.

The snow started falling yesterday afternoon as a few Kings and Queens athletes hiked up to practice hitting the three jumps at the base of the course. Photo: Lindsay Vallen // Buckrail

Athletes spent the day hiking up and hitting the three jumps, varying in size, built at the bottom of the course. A few spectators dropped by the course throughout the day to watch.

The biggest jump measures 57 feet from the lip of the takeoff to the knuckle of the landing but athletes are going to want to shoot for the sweet spot in the landing, which is about 65 feet from the lip of the jump.

The competitors also had the chance to hike up the couloir to check out the jumps built within the walls and get a feel for the snow conditions.

The weather window for the competition opened Feb. 4 and according to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the competition date will be announced by 5 p.m. the day before. This year, the competition will not be live-streamed on Red Bull TV. The viewing area is along the gates in Tensleep Bowl.

Reigning queen Piper Kunst is back this year to defend her title. Last year’s king, Hans Mindnich is not competing this year because he is on the Freeride World Tour. Learn more about the athletes here.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.