Info

What is slopestyle?

Slopestyle is a competitive event for freestyle snowboarders and freeskiers. It takes place in a terrain park or on a specially designed run. The course traditionally includes jumps of varying sizes, rails and or boxes. A slopestyle run commences at the top of the course and riders execute tricks on features as they ride to the bottom. Riders are judged on the difficulty and execution of the tricks they perform on the course as well as the difficulty of the features they choose to incorporate in their run.

What is the slopestyle course typically like?

THE CANADIAN SHIELD works closely with each host mountain to design a slopestyle course that caters to all ability levels. A typical course will contain one to three jump features. Larger jumps will contain multiple take of points allowing the same feature to be treated as a large jump for the Pro category and a smaller jump for the younger or novice level riders. On occasion jump features will be excluded on the course for certain categories to ensure safety.

The slopestyle course will also contain multiple rail and or box features. A typical course will contain rails and boxes of varying sizes, shapes and levels of difficulty, allowing rider’s to incorporate the features they feel comfortable riding in their runs.

What category should I be competing in?

THE CANADIAN SHIELD features several different categories based on age and skill set.

The age at which you are when you enter into the competition and the category that you are then grouped into, remains the same regardless of whether or not you have a birthday during the tour. For example, if you are 12 years old when you enter the competition, and fall into the Disney XD X-elerator (12 & Under) category, and celebrate your 13th birthday in February, you will remain in the 12 & Under category and will not move into the Disney XD X-elerator+ (13-15) category category. Snowboard specific categories as per Canada~Snowboards recommendation: www.canadasnowboard.ca

DISNEY XD X-ELERATOR - novice to intermediate level freestyle snowboard skills. The Grom category awards prizes from the series sponsors.
 
DISNEY XD X-ELERATOR+ - The Renegade division is for riders age 13 to 15.  These riders are typically considered to have novice to intermediate level freestyle snowboard skills. The Renegade category awards prizes from the series sponsors.
 
AMATEUR OPEN / K2 SKIS AMATEUR OPEN - The Amateur division is considered an open category, therefore any competitor can enter it no matter their age. It is mandatory that any rider 16 years of age or older, that does not want to enter the pro category must register in the amateur division. The Amateur division awards prizes from the series sponsors.
 
PRO OPEN - The Pro division is considered an open category, therefore any competitor of any age can enter it. Pro riders are typically defined by their high level of skill that allows them to confidently ride all the features in the park while executing difficult tricks. The Pro category awards the cash purse to the winners.

Do I have to register online?

It is not necessary that you pre-register online. Registration and all the registration documents are available onsite at each stop. For times and locations of onsite registration check the Registration page close to the date of the contest for details. Online registration is a good way to ensure you have a spot in the contest as it is subject to capacity but is by no means mandatory.

If I registered online what do I do when I get to the mountain?

Online registration allows you to reserve a spot in the category you wish to compete in, as well as submit payment and the registration form electronically. In addition to the online registration components all competitors must fill out two waiver forms. One of the waivers is available online to print off and fill out, it can be found on the Registration page. The second waiver is only available in the registration area at the host mountain. Therefore, every rider is required to check-in at the onsite registration prior to the contest, where they can fill out and submit their waivers and receive their competition bib.

How does the contest format work? 

THE CANADIAN SHIELD will feature a divided day that will have the Disney XD-XELERATOR and Disney XD-XELERATOR+ categories competing in the morning and the Amateur Open / K2 Amateur Open and Pro Open categories in the afternoon. Riders in each category will receive two qualifying runs, best run counts. Following the qualifying runs finalists will be posted and announced. Traditionally 20-25% of the field move on to the finals, the jury will decide how may to advance to the finals based on the clumping of top scores. For finals, athletes will receive a two run final, best run counts.

The competition format for THE CANADIAN SHIELD is always subject to change based on weather, the number of competitors and any other unforeseen factors that can arise during an outdoor snowboard contest.

If I’m a snowboarder and I enter the Canadian Shield how does this help elevate my status within Canada Snowboard / Olympics hopeful…?

THE CANADIAN SHIELD series is a key part of Canada Snowboards competition and athlete pathway towards Olympic Games and other major events, further, the Canadian Shield is recognized as Canada~Snowboards LTAD Stage 5 Competition Series and is identified as such here: www.canadasnowboard.ca

The Canadian Shield is a 4 STAR TTR – what is TTR exactly?

The TTR is structured so that riders on all levels, from amateurs on up to professionals, can compete on the same global tour. All riders are also ranked on the same TTR World Ranking list currently comprised of over 3500 riders.

TTR tour events are divided up by a “Star” system ranging from 1Star events to 6Star events making for a clear division between amateur/rookie level events and professional level events. The TTR Star accreditation denotes the significance of the event on a global scale, quantity of TTR Ranking points obtainable, overall quality of the event and the level of competition. 6Star is the highest star rating an event can get.

4 – 6Star Level:
The 4Star to 6Star levels of competition represent the top-level events on the TTR tour. Serious prize money, TV and global media coverage coupled with top-notch progressive setups and formats attract the best riders in the world. 6Star and 5Star events showcase the highest and most progressive level of riding. The 4Star level provides a stepping-stone for riders who are on the verge of breaking through to the professional level.

Transparent Rookie-to-Professional Tour Structure:
An important aspect (and valuable incentive for athletes) of the TTR Tour is the transparent rookie-to-pro structure allowing younger talent to climb the ranks and develop their career as a professional snowboarder. Young riders can start out competing on the regional or national level at 1Star to 3Star TTR events and eventually work their way up to compete on the professional international level at 4Star to 6Star events.

The rookie-to-pro concept has been proven to work in recent years by riders such as Kevin Pearce and Peetu Piironen. Kevin Pearce was able to gain recognition on the competition circuit in the 06/07 season and earned invites to key major events such as the Air + Style Munich and the Arctic Challenge for the 07/08 season. Kevin was able to work his way up the ladder relatively quickly and established himself as a force in the competitive freestyle snowboard realm through the TTR tour. Peetu Piironen mirrored Kevin’s success on tour with outstanding performances at lower-level events in the 07/08 season which earned him “tickets to ride” in major competitions such as Air + Style Innsbruck and the Arctic Challenge in the 08/09 season. This leap into the majors in 08/09 put Peetu in a position to chase the TTR title, which he clinched at the US Open in March of 2009.

What cash and prizing will be awarded?

Each stop will award the exact same cash and prizing listed below;

PRO MEN (SKI + SNOWBOARD)
1st Place – $5000
2nd Place – $1000
3rd Place – $500
4th Place – $200
5th Place – $100

PRO WOMEN (SKI + SNOWBOARD)
1st Place – $2000
2nd Place – $400
3rd Place – $200

SBC SNOWBOARD CANADA MAGAZINE STANDOUT TRICK
$100 and 100 tour points (Male Snowboard)
SBC SNOWBOARD CANADA WOMEN’S STANDOUT TRICK
$100 and 100 tour points (Female Snowboard)
SBC SKIER STANDOUT TRICK
$100 and 100 tour points (Male Ski)
SBC SKIER STANDOUT TRICK
$100 and 100 tour points (Female Ski)

Overall Series Prize to Pro Men and Women (Ski and Snowboard)
7 Day Eldorado Surf Package in El Salvador

The male and female skier and snowboarder who collect the most tour points throughout the four-stop tour will receive a 7 day surf trip to Eldorado Surf Resort in El Salvador. Eldorado defines itself as the Anti-Club-Med offering an experience that is anything but ordinary. The Inn is located in a small fishing village called El Zonte, in front of the Pacific Ocean. The Eldoradian lifestyle is completely geared towards surfing with a relaxed atmosphere and staff that is passionate about the sport. Add a stunning backyard view and you get a friendly and cordial vibe. Included with this prize is accommodation, Food & beverage along with a seven day Surf Board rental and lessons. A total of four complimentary weeks will be awarded at the completion of the tour at Blue Mtn Resort, Collingwood, ON. eventSing promotions inc. will provide air transportation* from your closest major airport as well as provide return ground transportation from San Salvador to El Zonte.
*Air transportation up to a value of $800. All other incidentals are the responsibility of the winner(s).

SNOWBOARD AMATEUR OPEN (Men & Women)
1st Place - Product from contributing sponsors
2nd Place - Product from contributing sponsors
3rd Place - Product from contributing sponsors

K2 SKIS AMATEUR OPEN (Men & Women)
1st Place – K2 Skis, Eira Outerwear
2nd Place – K2 Skis, helmet Eira Outerwear
3rd Place – K2 Skis, poles, Eira Outerwear

Overall Series Prize: K2 AMATEUR OPEN (Men & Women)
*2013 Sponsorship contract!!! involves 2013 product chosen from the 2013 K2 SKI catalogue and recognition as a member of the K2 SKI amateur team
*K2 Canada retains the right of choosing to or choosing not to, extend the award to said participants
 
DISNEY X-ELERATOR / DISNEY XD X-ELERATOR+ (Both men and women)
1st Place - Product from contributing sponsors
2nd Place - Product from contributing sponsors
3rd Place - Product from contributing sponsors

Where can I find the full list of results, pictures and videos from each event?

The full list of results, including the qualifying round scores for every category will be posted on thecanadianshield.com/standings-results, the Tuesday following each contest.
 
A full gallery of event photos from each stop will be available online and www.facebook.com/thecanadianshield the Tuesday following each event. The event video will also be available during the following week on.  Photos and video will also be posted online via our official media sponsors and partners, including Push.ca, snowboardcanada.com, sbcskier.com, sbcwomen.com, and newschoolers.com