Sixteen-year-old Whitefish skier Parkin Costain is well positioned to earn the 2016 International Free Skiers Association National Championship when he heads to Whistler/Blackcomb this week.

Tied for first place in season points with Xander Guldman of Squaw Valley, Calif., Costain hopes to defend his position as he skis with 180 other big mountain athletes from all across the U.S. and Canada.

Costain gained the maximum number of IFSA points possible this season, competing in events throughout the Rockies, in addition to taking eighth place at the FWT Junior Freeskiing Championships in Andorra this January.

Competitive big mountain freeeskiing is enjoying a surge in popularity, with junior IFSA membership doubling in the past four years.