Skiing community mourns the loss of esteemed freestyle judge Morten Skarpaas

The international skiing community mourns the loss of Morten Skarpaas, a renowned figure in the world of freestyle skiing judging, who dedicated over two decades of his life to the sport. Skarpaas, who recently passed away, was celebrated for his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to freestyle skiing at some of the highest levels of competition.

Morten Skarpaas's illustrious career as a judge included pivotal roles in Olympic Winter Games, World Championships, and numerous seasons of the World Cup. His judging career at the Olympics spanned from the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway, where he served as a scoring judge, to the 2010 games in Vancouver, Canada, also as a scoring judge. His involvement in the World Cup was equally impressive, with active participation nearly every season from 2003 until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced online judging systems.

Beyond his official duties, Skarpaas was instrumental in fostering the next generation of freestyle skiing judges. He worked with the Norwegian Ski Federation and played a key role in organizing FIS Freestyle judges' clinics in Oslo. His colleagues remember him not only for his expertise but also for his vibrant personality and mentorship, influencing many with his passion for the sport, professionalism, and sense of humor.

Skarpaas's contributions extended beyond the competitive arenas; he was deeply involved in local events and Continental Cups (CoC), supporting the sport at grassroots levels. His legacy is marked by his dedication to the integrity and development of freestyle skiing, remembered by peers as a mentor and friend who loved good wine, good food, and good company.

Morten Skarpaas's passing is a significant loss to the skiing world, and his influence will be felt for many years to come as those he mentored continue to carry forward his passion and dedication to the sport.