Team 4Peter 4Matt Peter Westman and Matt Kuharic scored first place for the fourth year in a row at Stevens Pass’ Big Mountain Battle, winning $2,000 worth of Helly Hansen gear and free entry to the final Battle in the Bowls in Aspen/Snowmass on March 25.

The pair crossed the finish line at 1 hour 56 minutes and 7 seconds, beating out team Gnarwahl’s Jackson Dove and Don Brockett. The pair claimed second with a time of 2 hours and 1 minute. Teamo X-Tremo’s Wenzel Peikert and Kevin Booth took third place with a time of 2 hours, 13 minutes and 8 seconds.

Helly Hansen’s Big Mountain Battle is a unique event that challenges two-person teams to an exploratory big-mountain course, consisting of designated runs, lift rides, one to two hikes, and hidden checkpoints. This season, each mountain’s ski patrollers will set the course, as well as the time to beat.

All teams were tracked using FLAIK GPS, a unique tracking device that provides race officials with real-time data, including ascents and descents, on each competitor.

“Stevens Pass had perfect battle conditions. Competitors were greeted by 7 inches of fresh powder, and it kept falling all day,” said Marc Campbell, the organizer behind Helly Hansen’s Big Mountain Battle. “Steven’s Pass is an amazing venue for this event and we always see high participation levels. This year was no exception and we want to thank Steven’s for being a great host and thank the community for joining us for a great day on the mountain.”

The final competition, Battle in the Bowls at Aspen/Snowmass, will take place March 25. But before that final showdown can occur, the Big Mountain Battle will make stops at Killington, Mar. 17; Kicking Horse, Mar. 24; and Park City, Mar. 24.

Cost for the event is $90 per team and includes two Helly Hansen LIFA base layers valued at $45 each. For more info or to register online, please visit www.bigmountainbattle.com