Snowboard contest heats up at Andes this Saturday

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The Faction Boardshop in Alexandria is hosting the 7th annual Faction Challenge Snowboard Contest this weekend.

The competition is set to take place Saturday, March 6 at Andes Tower Hills. Registration will take place between 10 and 11 a.m. with the contest running from noon to 5 p.m.

This event is being hailed as the largest gathering of snowboarders from around western Minnesota.

With more than 70 competitors each in the last two years – and riders coming in from as far away as Duluth and Bismark, North Dakota, the Faction Challenge has proven to be a prestigious competition for any snowboarder, according to event organizer and Faction Boardshop owner, Jason Lybeck.

With the Olympics taking place this year, Lybeck expects this year’s challenge to be larger than the last two years.

He noted that Andes Tower Hills has stepped up its dedication to the snowboard park, adding that it “will be fun and fresh for the group of riders coming in for the event.”

Lybeck said that the contest is judged differently than the X Games or the Olympics.

He explained that it uses a “Jam” format and each group is given a 30 minute time period for its members to do all the tricks they know on the jumps and rails.

“This is a little more informal and puts a lot less pressure on the kids so that they have fun,” said Lybeck, which he added is what snowboarding is all about.

There is a $20 entry fee, which can be paid during the registration period. The cost of the entry includes a ticket for a raffle drawing, food and drinks. There will be prizes for all contestants. Lybeck noted that the entry fee does not include a lift ticket.

He also mentioned that he has an excellent group of sponsors for this year’s contest who will be lending a hand in supporting the competitors with free gear and a top prize of $250 cash to the winner in the open class.

Top three in all other classes receive medals – and bragging rights until next season. Classes are as follows:

•Girls – all ages.

•Boys ages 12 and younger.

•Boys ages 13 to 14.

•Boys ages 15 to 16.

•Open class – 17 years of age and older.

Judges will base their decisions on the overall impression of each snowboarder and their ability, techniques and difficulty of the tricks they do, Lybeck explained. This year’s judges are Josh Haugen, Kevin Bienias and Cody Carlson.

Spectators are welcome and highly encouraged to come and watch this event, Lybeck stressed.

For more information, visit the Faction Boardshop’s website at www.factionboardshop.com or call the shop at (320) 762-2573.

Tags: hot events, faction challenge snowboard contest, entertainment, events, snowboard, andes, faction, lybeck, competition