Nate Chute races draw stacked field of shredders
MATT BALDWIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 4 months AGO
Hagadone Media Montana REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Matt Baldwin is the regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana, where he helps guide coverage across eight newspapers throughout Northwest Montana. Under his leadership, the Daily Inter Lake received the Montana Newspaper Association’s Sam Gilluly Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. A graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism, Baldwin has called Montana home for nearly 30 years. He and his wife, Sadie, have three daughters. He can be reached at 406‑758‑4447 or [email protected]. IMPACT: Baldwin’s work helps ensure Northwest Montana residents stay connected to their communities and informed about the issues that shape their everyday lives. | March 18, 2024 12:00 AM
Kyle Anderson took home the top prize in the mens open division the Nate Chute banked slalom and boardercross races last weekend at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Under sunny skies and roasting spring temperatures, Anderson zoomed to third in the slalom Saturday in the forest between the Whitetail and Silvertip slopes, then finished fifth in the boardercross on Goat Haunt. Josh Lucas and Mathieu Martineau placed second and third, respectively, to top the competitive field.
On the women's side, Audrey Hebert won the open division, placing first in the slalom and cross. Madison Hall and Zoe Benton took second and third, respectively.
It was the 25th anniversary of the Nate Chute races, which at one time was referred to as the Hawaiian Classic. It is among the longest-running snowboard races in the nation.
The Ol' Joes category drew a big field of contenders, with Jon Kiraly taking first overall. He placed second in the slalom and won the boardercross. Josh Johns and Tyrel Bacon rounded out the podium.
Jess Smith won the Ol' Josies division, edging out Emily Lewis and Michele Calabretta.
Henry Garneau won the amateur men 18-34 division, while Vincent McEachern took the top spot in the amateur dudes 13-17 category.
Jade Thompson raced to first in the amateur ladies 14-34 category after winning both the slalom and cross races.
Libby Piehl placed first in the amateur girls 10-13, while Will Piehl took first in the amateur boys 10-12.
ARTICLES BY MATT BALDWIN
Road closures, evacuation warnings continue for Skillet Fire
Evacuation warnings and road closures remained in place for areas on the Flathead National Forest west of Olney as a wildfire continued to threaten at least 50 structures.
Fire watch issued as new blaze surges in Northwest Montana
A rapidly expanding wildfire west of Olney prompted numerous road closures Thursday on the Flathead and Kootenai national forests as dangerous fire weather moves into the region this weekend.
Fire watch issued as new blaze surges in Northwest Montana
A rapidly expanding wildfire west of Olney prompted numerous road closures Thursday on the Flathead and Kootenai national forests as dangerous fire weather moves into the region this weekend.