Photos: Snowboard World Cup returns to Calgary with Snow Rodeo

The world's best snowboarders will shred the halfpipe at Winsport this weekend as the Snow Rodeo returns to Calgary for the second year in one of the final stops of the World Championship.

Competitors from 11 different countries took part in the qualifying competition held on February 9 and qualified for the night finals scheduled for Saturday, February 10.

Canada Snowboard CEO Dustin Heise said the race weekend is an opportunity for Calgarians interested in snowboarding to see some of Canada's best athletes compete on the world stage, including Jenna Walker, Lily-Ann Ulmer, Lucas Briggs, Liam. Gill and Ryan Waugh.

“I'd love to have a facility like this right here in the city and so close to downtown and for all Calgarians to be able to walk right up to the viewing area at the base of the halfpipe, it just creates this great atmosphere,” Heise said.

“The energy and so great, the vibe is great and the positivity that comes from the athletes, the fans, the coaches and all the officials, it's a great environment.”

One of the advantages of the Snow Rodeo over other World Cup events is the free access to and from the event for fans.

The Snow Rodeo is the fourth and final halfpipe race of the season, meaning a tight battle between athletes will be decided on Saturday night.

“They award crystal globes to the best athletes this season, so this is the best athlete in the world in Calgary. It’s all here and it’s time for Canada to show the world what we’ve got,” Heise said.

According to him, another big advantage of this year's competition is the weather.

Unlike last year, which saw cool temperatures and sometimes high winds that delayed competitors from completing the run, this year's temperatures were a perfect balance between creating good snow conditions and keeping the athletes happy, Heise said.

“The feedback from the athletes has been great. I would say what has led to such a warm winter so far, and then everything is coming together right now,” he said.

“The feedback on the halfpipe is amazing. It's really amazing. It leads to great stunts, and you see the best in the world bring out the best in themselves.”

Racing resumes on Saturday evening at 7pm and can be viewed from the bottom of the Winsport halfpipe, west of the day lodge.