For anyone complaining about the 5 spots that the major ski companies get for their top pros, think about it for a second. No offense the the majority of people on this site but if TJ had won the Open last year and Tanner, Jon, Henrick,or any of the other top pros had not been there then it would totally kill the credibility of winning the event, the purpose of the open is to let people come out and show their shit against the big boys. Most pros don't have time to sit infront of their computers all day waiting for the 15 minute window of registration, our sponsors would much rather they be out skiing (doing their job) Think about the companies who take these spots. Dynastar, Armada, 4frnt, Atomic, Salomon, Volkl, Line, Rossi, 5 spots for each company ads up to a whopping 40 of the 160 available spots, even if they alow more than 5 to certain companies and max it out at 50 or 60 that's still 100 to 110 available spots for guys to get in there. 4 years ago the cut off was 100 total and 35+ of those were filled with pros, so it's alot better than it used to be.
The Open sucks anyways, why would you guys want to travel all the way to Vail get 2 hours of training on shitty jumps the day before you have to qualify then compete. I don't even think this it's a safe event because of the lack of training time. an event like this should have a minimum 2 full days of training before it happens. I hate getting there and watching kids huck themselves off shitty jumps just to make a name for themselves. Don't get me wrong, I've done it too, but that doesn't make it smart. 2 years ago they didn't even have a training day, training took place the morning of qualifiers, it's BULLSHIT! Seroiously you're better off doing some of the other contests like the American Freeski tour events etc. they're not as big in status as the open but they still get the network TV coverage and you still have the chance to kick some Big Name ass because alot of big names still come out to them. I dunno, I just don't see the point in it. If it wasn't for those 'sponsor spots' alot of the Pros wouldn't do the event, they only do it to make their sponsors happy.
Atomic 05/06
The Triplets are coming....
2+1=6
think about it.....