X-gamer

Whitefish skier Mitch Gilman, 12, was back in Aspen, Colo., on Feb. 16 to compete for the Rocky Mountain Divisional Championship title. The USSA Divisional event drew a field of 33 athletes on a blue-bird day to Buttermilk’s massive 22-foot high X-Game superpipe. Gilman took first place in two separate competitions in the J4 category (age 11-12) and seventh for all age groups. The U.S. Olympic freestyle team athletes are chosen based on points accumulated from USSA events held throughout the year. Superpipe and slopestyle competitions are held at ski resorts thought the country where athletes earn points and are ranked on a national level. The more events an athlete competes in, the more points earned. Gilman is currently ranked 57th in the nation after competing in two events. He will be competing at the U.S. Open at Copper Mountain on March 1.