Jaimie Figueira wins 4* Freeride Competition in New Zealand

Jaimie Figueira, one of our Sunshine Village snowboard instructors recently secured a top spot on the podium at a prestigious 4-star Freeride World Tour Qualifier competition in New Zealand. Figueira's victory is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the sport. 

Figueira's success can be attributed to her rigorous training regimen and consistent exposure to challenging terrain. She prioritizes gym workouts three times a week, complementing her physical strength with technical proficiency. As a snowboard instructor and coach, Figueira spends countless hours on the slopes, honing her skills and adapting to various conditions. Figueira revealed that pasta is her go-to pre-competition meal, as it provides the sustained energy she needs to tackle the course. 

Figueira's love for freeriding began when she moved to Banff and started exploring steeper terrain. Three years ago, a friend introduced her to competitive freeriding, and she was instantly captivated by the sport's creativity and the opportunity to ride extraordinary terrain. Figueira mentioned that the opportunity to meet cool people from all over the world is one of the things she loves most about the sport. 

The New Zealand competition presented its own set of challenges, with hidden rocks lurking beneath the snow. Figueira narrowly avoided a crash near the bottom, showcasing her quick reflexes and ability to adapt on the fly. “I almost lost it at the bottom when I hit rocks I couldn't see,” she admitted, “but luckily I saved it just in time.”  

With the Freeride World Tour as her ultimate aspiration, Figueira is driven to make her mark in the snowboarding world. Last year, she showcased her exceptional skills by securing a tie for fourth place in a highly competitive field. This remarkable achievement solidified her position among the top female snowboarders and fueled her determination to reach even greater heights. While the Challengers Series only selects one female snowboarder for the Freeride World Tour, Figueira remains undeterred. As the Canadian season approaches, Figueira is more motivated than ever to prove herself and achieve her dream of competing on the Freeride World Tour. 

Jaimie Figueira's 4-star victory in New Zealand is a major accomplishment and further solidifies her status as a rising star in the world of freeriding. With her passion, talent, and dedication, Figueira is undoubtedly poised for even greater success in the future. Congratulations, Jaimie! We look forward to your return to Banff Sunshine this winter.