2025 Freestyle Aerials National Championships Hosted at Bristol Mountain, NY
Top aerial skiers from across the nation will compete this weekend in the 2025 Toyota U.S. Freestyle Aerial National Championship in Canandaigua, New York. Following two days of practice, the excitement culminates in finals this weekend where a new champion will be crowned at Bristol Mountain.
Throughout this four-day event, athletes take to the skies off of specialty jumps that range from 7.5 to 13.5 feet. The flipping, soaring, spinning athletes reach impressive heights of more than 50 ft against the winter skies over the Bristol Valley. Celebrating 30 years since inclusion in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway, Aerial skiing is as impressive to watch as it is difficult to execute. With extremely boosty take off angles, the maneuvers look more like a gymnastics/diving event than a big air or slopestyle event. Skiers will often flip three or more times executing just as many full twists while keeping their body straight, and their form tight. Competitors are evaluated on amplitude (height and distance in the air) for 20%, form (style and execution) for 50%, and landing for the final 30% of score.
Competition is fierce. As course conditions change throughout the day into night, and as the weekend progresses, jumpers are in a battle against the course as much as against each other. Constantly adjusting take off points and speed checks, the margin of error is slim. Add speed during the day, throttle back after sunset. Factor in a different landing with fresh snow on the ground, and don’t forget about the wind. Imagine Simon Biles’ floor routine except on a slope, against the elements, and with skis on.
Speaking of the gear and arena, it is useful to note that the skis are shorter and softer in the tip and tail than other freestyle skis. Even a brief look will reveal major differences compared to slalom racers or twin tip trick planks. The jumps are also special construction, precisely sculpted works of winter engineering designed to exact FIS standards. Special tools are used to make and maintain these jumps, and Bristol is renowned for Mikey’s Jump in the Challenger terrain park. Dedicated in honor of his brother, Olympic Gold Medalist and former Bristol Mountain Freestyle Team Member Chris Lillis will be competing in the event. Don't miss the chance to see a new 2025 Toyota U.S. Freestyle Aerial National Champion crowned at Bristol Mountain!
The Lake House on Canandaigua, as the official event host and a gold-level sponsor, will supply luxury accommodations for athletes and support staff, showcasing their commitment to winter sports and community events. The Bristol Mountain event is supported by contributions from regional and national businesses as well. Other Gold Level Event Sponsors are Genesee Construction and Prinoth, along with Silver Level Sponsors such as Power Management, Admar Construction Equipment & Supplies, KB Graphics, Inc., and Valley Propane and Fuels.
A staple of competitive ski jumping, the 2025 National Aerials championship is on the road to the Olympics. Tune in for a preview of the talent (and judging) that will be on display next year during the Milano-Cortino 2026 winter games in Italy.
