Team Alaska youth snowboarders participating in 2024 Arctic Winter Games

PALMER — Alaska youth snowboarders from across the state are competing in various sporting events being held during the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games.

Team Alaska athletes have the unique opportunity to test their skills among teams from northern countries across the world: Nunavut, Nunavik, Northern Alberta, Yukon, Greenland and Sápmi.

Thirteen-year-old Girdwood snowboarder Jude Jeffers said that he's enjoyed seeing all the different people come together.

"It's interesting. I like seeing how they snowboard and what all their different skill sets are," Jeffers said.

Jeffers competed in the youth Rail Jam competition held at the Skeetawk Ski Area Monday, March 11. He said that he plans to participate in all the snowboard events and he feels confident that he'll make the top three in the Snowboard Cross event. He said that he's glad to have the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Arctic Winter Games.

"I'm really happy that I get to be here," Jeffers said.

Jeffers said that some of his favorite things about snowboarding is the sense of comradery and the process of improving his skills.

"Just progressing is a ton of fun," Jeffers said.

According to Team Alaska snowboarding coach Tyson Fick, Rail Jam contestants were judged on several factors such as difficulty, amplitude, variety, and execution. He said it was great seeing the various Arctic communities show off their skills in his home state.

"We have so much in common," Fick said.

Fick said the Games are a great opportunity for youth.

"This is really a cool experience for the kids and the public,"

Fick said that he was proud of the Alaskan youth's efforts and he's looking forward to seeing how they do as the rest of the snowboarding events unfold. He said Alaska has a lot of talent that he hopes will be further highlighted in future Games.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to show off everything we have," Fick said. "I would love it if we had more. Everybody that competed was awesome."

Fick's 15-year-old son Riley also competed in the Rail Jam competition and plans to compete in other AWG snowboarding events. He said that he's been having fun.

"It's pretty dope," Riley said.

One of Riley's favorite perks as an AWG athlete is the free food.

"I think I've had close to 50 Rice Krispies Treats in the last couple days," Riley said with a laugh.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com