Style Experience announces its soaring return to Commonwealth Stadium
By Abby Cunningham on November 21, 2023
The FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup, more commonly known as the Style Experience has announced its return to the Edmonton stage on Saturday, Dec. 9, with Commonwealth Stadium once again hosting the event.
Big Air snowboarders from around the world will be competing on the urban jump, built entirely out of scaffolding. The jump reaches heights over 65ft and goes well above the stadium. The jump is the only of its kind and brings a whole other level for both competitors and spectators alike
“It’s crazy because you pull up as if you’re going to go to a football game and all of a sudden there’s a 65 ft jump made of metal that goes above the stands. We get to experience the crowd of a football game cheering us on. And it’s something that you never really get snowboarding so it’s a pretty cool experience,” said Truth Smith, a Canadian Snowboarder who competed at last year’s event.
The event is the first stop on the 2023/24 Shred the North series. The series is a collection of snowboard events hosted throughout Canada. And unlike last year, they are making not only the jump bigger but the whole event. As well as an urban rail jam in the stands, there will be three live concerts. Grandson, SkiiTour and the newest addition to the lineup, Calling all Captains will perform throughout the night, adding even more of an entertainment aspect to the already action packed event.
“Having people come out there for the purpose of watching just makes it like a whole different feel and just kind of feels like yes, we’re snowboarding and it’s a competition and pressure but it’s also like we’re putting on a show and it just kind of makes it more fun in the end,” said Jasmine Baird, who won gold for Canada at the event last year.
The jump started construction after the Heritage Classic and is continuing on into December. It will soon be covered with snow and prepared for the snowboarders to ride it. The event is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone to enjoy. Whether you are well versed with snowboarding, or brand new to it, fun can be found anywhere.