THE BIRTHPLACE OF FREESTYLE SKIING

Waterville Valley shares a vibrant connection with the world of freestyle skiing, a relationship that has evolved over more than five decades.

The story of this relationship began in the 1960s, during the ‘hot dog’ era of skiing. Throughout the 60s, young skiers nationwide tried out tricks, aerials, and acrobatic maneuvers. Waterville Valley embraced this emerging sport by launching the nation’s first freestyle instruction program. By 1971, Waterville Valley further bolstered the legitimacy of “hot dog” skiing by hosting the first-ever hot dog competition: the “National Championships of Exhibition Skiing.” This landmark event was organized by the founder of Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Tom Corcoran, and Doug Pfeiffer, editor-in-chief of Skiing Mazaine and co-founder of two iconic ski industry organizations: Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Taking place on Waterville Valley’s True Grit double black diamond trail, this novel competition’s format was extraordinary: a mogul field, kickers for aerial jumps, and a groomed slope for tricks, where “the most terrifying, edge-of-disaster run won”!

Legendary freestyle skier and hot dog pioneer Wayne Wong made his freestyle debut at Waterville Valley. At just 21 years old, Wong traveled from Vancouver with $200 in sponsorship money to participate in Waterville’s inaugural National Championships of Exhibition Skiing. While Wong placed 3rd in the competition, his innovative tricks made him a crowd favorite. Wong assumed the role of head freestyle coach at Waterville Valley’s premier snowsports school BBTS in 1973. He maintains close ties to Waterville Valley Resort to this day.

The overwhelming turnout and success of Waterville’s ’71 Championships paved the way for the 1972 Second Annual Championship of Exhibition Skiing: a three-part series held in Waterville Valley, Sun Valley, and Vail. In the following winter seasons, Waterville Valley continued to host these premier freestyle competitions.

Over the past five decades, Waterville Valley Resort has grown into a hub for world-class competitions, hosting 11 Alpine World Cup races, 5 U.S. Freestyle Championships, 1 U.S. Alpine Championships, and numerous freeski and snowboard U.S. Revolution Tours. While Waterville Valley influenced the evolution of freestyle skiing, so in turn, freestyle left an indelible mark on both the ski resort as well as the lives of numerous locals, visitors, and community members. Many legendary freestyle athletes, coaches, and pioneers played significant roles in the development of Waterville Valley Ski Resort, including Wayne Wong, Doug Pfeiffer, and Nick Preston.

Waterville Valley’s history is intertwined with freestyle. In hosting the Toyota Waterville Freestyle World Cup, Waterville Valley Resort continues its legacy of supporting freestyle skiing. Whether you’re a world-class competitor, a freestyle aficionado, an aspiring young athlete, or a passionate fan, Waterville Valley Resort is honored to welcome you to our corner of the White Mountains.