Level 1 SuperUnknown Wraps Up at Mammoth Unbound

The SuperUnknown video contest has been discovering hidden gems in the ski world since 2003, and the 21st rendition of the contest just wrapped up at Mammoth Unbound this week.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t there to witness the madness, but the stream of videos from Level 1 and Mammoth gave me my fill of action.

The Unbound Parks at Mammoth have some of the most innovative lines, jibs, features, and jumps anywhere in the world, and it was the home of the SuperUnknown 21 Finals from April 17-23.

“SuperUnknown was started in 2003 to help discover and expose the best unsponsored up and coming talent in the game, and give them a shot at making a name for themselves outside of the traditional competition scene,” says Level 1’s website .

Level 1 is a Denver based production company that has been documenting freestyle skiing since 1999.

In the current format, skiers send in a 90 second video that shows their personality, technical ability, style, and overall best impression of themselves on skis. Those entries are then judged by the Level 1 staff and riders to cut the field down to 15 men’s and women’s finalists to throw down at Mammoth.

They also invite pros and OGs of the event to add to the stoke of the finals.

The setup and execution of the event produces some of the most innovative and exciting skiing. They’re giving the ‘unknowns’ their opportunity to show the best of themselves to get their foot in the ski industry.

Notable past winners include Tom Wallisch, Magnus Granér, and Keegan Kilbride. Quite the pedigree.

The women’s champion this year is Shiori Takahashi .

Shiori has a smooth, silky style that earned her a wildcard spot in the finals, which goes to show how high the bar is set. She’s a Japanese skier who rides for Line. The future is looking bright for her.

The men’s champion is Felix Klein representing New Zealand.

Felix is no stranger to contest settings as he grew up in the FIS Circuit going to World Cup Events and Europa Cups. His unique take on skiing and technical ability combine to make him an up and coming powerhouse in freeskiing.

Level 1 also gave out an OG award for past SuperUnknown competitors, as well as a Pro Rider of the Week.

The OG winner for the second straight year is Parker White . The Vermont native, X Games Real Ski medalist, and overall badass skier was a fan and athlete favorite over the weekend.

The Pro Rider of the Week is Jed Waters . Jed came in hot with the style and a creative take on the entire park. I expected nothing less.