From left, Freeride World Tour skiers Kristofer Turdell and Evelina Nilsson talk with residents Sam Clay and Nicole Stickler during a community reception for event athletes and staff Wednesday at the Haines Sheldon Museum. Several competitors at the reception said they were hoping the event would happen soon, allowing them to spend free time here before the final stage of the international ski competition April 2 in Verbier, Switzerland. “This is the spot most athletes dream to come to,” said competitor Jackie Paaso. Participants again will traverse a peak near Little Jarvis Glacier used in last year’s competition. Five staffers are camped out there, awaiting favorable weather to stage the event. About 40 skiers and snowboarders will compete.
