SVSEF Big Mountain Athletes Push Limits at National Championship in Whistler
Six Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Big Mountain athletes competed at the National 3* Championship at Whistler Blackcomb, the highest level of competition available to junior big mountain skiers. Scout Bilbro, Scarlett Carruth, Tessa Lightner, Cruz Bilbro, Jude Carter, and Zack Torres represented SVSEF at the highly competitive and selective event, making participation alone a significant achievement for the season.
The competition showcased some of the biggest and most challenging terrain the athletes skied all winter, pushing their limits on steeper lines, larger cliffs, and more technical features than available anywhere else. Despite challenging conditions that ultimately led to the cancellation of finals, SVSEF athletes posted strong results in the qualifier round, with Scout Bilbro and Tessa Lightner both earning fourth-place finishes.
“Whistler is always about so much more than just the competition,” said Sarah Verst, SVSEF Big Mountain Program Director. “It’s an opportunity for our athletes to step into some of the biggest terrain they’ll ski all year, pushing themselves on bigger lines, cliffs, and features at a higher level than we ski anywhere else.”
Bilbro and Lightner led the SVSEF contingent with their fourth-place results, demonstrating the technical skill and mental fortitude required to navigate Whistler’s demanding terrain. Scarlett Carruth followed with an eighth-place finish, while Cruz Bilbro secured 10th place in what marked his final competition as a junior athlete.
The competition held special significance for Bilbro, who concluded four years with the SVSEF Big Mountain program. Despite the cancellation of finals, he handled the situation with maturity and finished his junior career on a positive note, exemplifying the consistency and reliability that has defined his tenure with the team.
“Cruz has given everything to this team over the past four years,” said Verst. “He is one of the most consistent, reliable, and strong skiers we’ve had. It has truly been a privilege to coach him.”
One of the week’s standout stories came from Zack Torres, who lost a ski during qualifiers and therefore didn’t advance to finals. Rather than let the setback define his trip, Torres shifted his focus to a long-time goal—skiing the legendary Whistler line known as Air Jordan. He attempted the challenging line three separate times in difficult conditions. While he didn’t successfully complete the line, his commitment and willingness to push himself demonstrated the progression mindset that defines SVSEF’s Big Mountain program.
Verst added, “Overall, Whistler challenged our athletes in all the right ways—pushing them outside their comfort zones and giving them a glimpse of what’s possible at the next level.”
SVSEF Athlete Results
National 3* Championship – Whistler Blackcomb
4th – Scout Bilbro
4th – Tessa Lightner
8th – Scarlett Carruth
10th – Cruz Bilbro
15th – Jude Carter
Qualifier – Zack Torres
Note: Finals were canceled due to challenging conditions
About National 3* Big Mountain Competitions
The National 3* designation represents the highest level of competition available to junior big mountain skiers in the United States. These events are highly selective, difficult to qualify for, and feature the most challenging terrain and competitive fields in junior big mountain skiing. The competitions serve as proving grounds for athletes progressing toward elite-level freeride competition.
