Into the Mind: Parkin Costain

Heading into my first Kings & Queens competition back in 2019, I never could have prepared myself for what was to come. Dropping into the event I had few expectations, but runs have progressed exponentially over the last few years and I’m honored to have witnessed all the craziness first-hand. Throughout this competition, I’ve gained new friends, experienced STOKE on a level I didn't know existed, and had some of the most intimidating moments of my life. 

When I received my invite in 2019, I had little experience skiing at Jackson Hole and had never been down Corbet's Couloir. Ignorance is bliss I guess, and I went into that competition the least intimidated out of any of the years. The next two seasons the 'pucker factor' increased tenfold; from deciding whether or not to throw a double, to contemplating how I’d defend my crown in 2021, I was always thinking about the event. Heading into this season’s event, I had a new perspective and less pressure than ever before. The opportunity to shred with so many amazing people had me super stoked to be back and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience! 

From its inception, Kings & Queens has never been your typical freeride competition; both the staff and the athletes always create one of the most supportive environments around. The energy at the top of the venue is unbelievable. Each athlete has a different take on how they want to drop into the Couloir and we all work together sculpting takeoffs into the 20-foot-wide area. When the first athlete drops in, we all go quiet until they boost off the lip, with heavy anticipation of what the landning will sound like, then we all burst with cheers and disbelief that we’re about to do the same thing!

One of the best highlights of the past few years was Trevor Kenison’s send into the venue on a sit-ski. Blowing everyone's mind he stomped it, and then bounced another 30 or 40 feet into a pile of powder. The crowd erupted and Trevor cemented his legacy as a legend of Corbet's Couloir.  

This year’s event was different from years past since Old Man Winter has been asleep at the wheel for most of the winter. Though we received some snow in the days leading up to Kings & Queens, the conditions remained firm… We’ve been fortunate over the past few years of progression to have had nearly ideal conditions every year. This was bound to happen at some point and I know the unfavorable conditions helped the event evolve that much more. The emphasis on the drop-in took a back seat and competitors focused more on their lines throughout the Couloir. We definitely saw some very creative lines this year, with competitors linking more features than ever before.

I'm stoked to have been a part of another year of Kings & Queens! Can't wait to see what the future holds.

Words by Parkin Costain. Follow him on Instagram to see what he get's up to when he's not dominating at Kings & Queens of Corbet's. He placed 3rd in the men's division this year.