Apex Mountain has long been a beloved spot for ski enthusiasts. Recently, the resort began taking steps to cement its place as the most preferred freestyle skiing capital in Western Canada. The new head coach of freestyle skiing tasked with training young athletes is none other than former Olympian Kristi Richards herself.

The Freestyle Ski Sports Goddess — Kristi Richards Returns to Apex

Kristi was born and raised at Apex as she herself says, and her job there will be to incorporate new technology that will help young athletes to train and advance faster and safer into the sport. She’s currently looking into the facilities at Apex Mountain to identify what needs to be changed and added so ski talents can progress with as few injuries as possible. One of the new additions she’s bringing to the resort is a giant landing bag that will cushion the landings on those beginning to learn the intricate jumps and dangerous tricks of the sport.

A Costly But Totally Worth It Investment

While the landing bag will surely be an improvement in the right direction that will attract a pool of young talent, it does come with a hefty price tag. The investment costs over $100,000. The good news, however, is that there is plenty of space for brand partnerships and advertising on the landing bag, which makes Kristi and her team hopeful for the future of Apex Mountain becoming the go-to freestyle skiing destination in Western Canada.

The best part about adding the bag, says Kristi, is that it can also be used in summer under safe conditions, and kids won’t have to deal with a two-month ski training gap that’s tough to compensate for. Richards says resort officials have been nothing but supportive and proactive, so we’ll soon see the fruit of their labor!

Home to what can only be described as heaven on Earth, Kauai is where golden sands kiss deep blue Pacific waters and thunderous topography. If you’re planning a trip to one of Hawaii’s crown jewels, here are a couple of must-haves on your itinerary!

Although Kauai is a small island, it is divided into several distinct regions due to its landscape. Make your way to the South Shore, the heart of the island’s vacation scene.

If you’re into luxury, food adventures, unrealistically beautiful beaches, and supreme comfort, this is your spot. Grab a bite at Makai Sushi Bar, Plantation Gardens, or The Beach House for a mouthwatering experience.

Now that you’ve experienced the lush, it’s time to go on an adventure around Kauai’s rugged West. Home to the notoriously monstrous Waimea Canyon, this part of the island will take your breath away. Waimea Canyon is a 3,600-foot-deep natural wonder that makes for an awe-striking view.

Picture a dramatic landscape with red volcanic dirt, high waterfalls, and vibrant green hues. You won’t believe your eyes, and if the scenery looks rather familiar to you, it’s because many Hollywood directors have consistently been using it as the backdrop of their blockbusters. While you’re there, be sure to book an ATV tour as well!

You can’t go to Kauai and not explore the gorgeous marine life. The island’s iconic Napali Coast is best experienced either by sea or air. Hop on a boat ride to get an in-depth tour of the coast and see the abundance of marine life up close while cruising alongside hammerhead sharks, pods of wild dolphins, and the otherworldly Humpback whales.

If you’re into air adventures, you’ll love the doors-off helicopter rides that give you an eagle eye’s view of the oddly peaceful and impossibly beautiful Napali Coast.