Budding skiers, snowboarders have big dreams

COPPER MOUNTAIN - At just 11 years of age, 4 foot 8 inch Katrina Wolf is out to prove to some of the best on skis and snowboarders that she's a lean mean snowboarding machine.

"Alright, that's what I call myself," said Wolf.

She's taking part in the USASA National Championships, which Copper Mountain spokesperson Lauren Pelletreau says is the world's largest snowboarding and free ski event.

"We have over 1,600 competitors here," said Pelletreau.

The competitors range in age from 7 to 70, all doing battle on slopes, across rails and in halfpipes.

The competitions run from Sunday through April 4, with a total of five events. Wolf knows them well.

"Slalom, giant slalom, halfpipe, slopestyle and boardercross," said Wolf.

Not many athletes qualify for all five events, but Wolf did, meaning her 3rd year here could be her best yet.

"I think I have a real good chance this year," said Wolf.

Still she's got to get past great riders like Libby Shanahan, a fellow snowboarder who admits that beating Wolf will be tough but not impossible.

"I beat her once," said Shanahan.

During the season, skiers and snowboarders have to compete in a series of races in their age groups to qualify for nationals. Many of the younger kids hope all the hard work will lead them to the Olympics someday.