MOUNT SNOW, Vt. – Speed issues are not new to competitive skiers. But they certainly are in world of competitive Big Air skiing.

For the past two days skiers have been battling the runway on the Big Air course on the Lower Exhibition run. Many of the competitors were concerned that they might not even make the 50-foot gap, bringing more than a few safety concerns.

Like any event with good money on the line, people will find a way to make things work. Or at least they will try.

So how do you combat the weather? Well, first you try the old standby – wax. Waxing is a very precise science in the world of ski. But even the most advanced wax can't cover all weather conditions in one single form. And as a result, the weather won this first battle.

Team Dynastar had to get creative.

Next idea. "How about let us start higher up the hill?," pleaded Tanner Hall. Nope, sorry that won't work. Too many fences to move.

Well maybe we'll tow people in with snowmobiles. Negative again. The in-run is just too short. And where will the follow cam guys go?

What to do, what to do? How about pay heed to the old adage, "If you don't like New England weather, wait five minutes." This is just what happened. The weather got chilly for the third round jumps, things firmed up and voila, no more speed problems. Thank you Mother Nature.

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