February 27, 2025
Sunday River Skiers conquer Kings and Queens of Corbet's
Every year, skiers and snowboarders stand over Corbet’s Couloir mentally preparing to launch into one of America’s gnarliest trails with the hopes to be crowned as its King or Queen.
On February 11, 2025, two Sunday River natives stood among that group and took on the challenge.
Chasing Dreams, One Run at a Time
Meet the Athletes
Alex Hackel, 28, is a Boston native who spent lot of time at Sunday River growing up. Now, nearly a decade later, he’s made the West his home, carving out a career as a professional skier, competing in slopestyle, street skiing, and freeriding.
Tristen Lilly, 23, grew up just down the street from Sunday River in Bethel, where he first discovered his love for skiing. While attending Telstar High School, he spent most of his winters on the slopes. After graduation, Tristen made his way to Utah to continue developing his skills and further pursue his passion for skiing.
Where it All Began
From Sunday River to the Podium
A two-time X Games medalist, Hackel made his second appearance at Kings and Queens this year, earning an impressive second-place finish on the podium.
In a recent interview with News Center Maine, Alex reflected on what skiing meant to him as a kid.
It was at this time in my life, when you're an impressionable kid, around 12 or 13, that I basically fell in love with skiing. And I fell in love with skiing at Sunday River. All I wanted to do was go skiing. On Sundays, I would hike the park after the lifts closed at 4PM, and I wouldn’t stop until about 5PM when my parents would call, saying, 'You have to get back, we have to drive home, and you have school tomorrow.' I just didn’t want the weekend to end. Skiing was my escape from everything.
After securing third place in the men’s skier division at Kings and Queens, Lilly sat down with News Center Maine to reflect on the experience.
I had a lot of friends come up from Salt Lake, many of them from Maine as well, and it was really special to see everyone there. The support has been overwhelming, especially from people back home who’ve reached out. Family, friends, and even strangers who were excited to see me in the competition and stoked to see me do well—it’s amazing.
Lilly backflipping during the Kings and Queens competition. Photo courtesy of Out of Collective.
From the Gnarnia Cliffs to Glory
Vote for Alex and Tristen
We can't help but imagine that on February 11, Alex and Tristen were thinking back to their childhood Gnarnia cliff jumps at Sunday River, getting ready for their shot at the crown.
They earned their spots on the official podium with impressive performances, but the work isn’t done yet.
Show your support by voting for them in the ‘People’s Choice Award.’ Voting is open until March 3rd—cast your vote and support the Sunday River family!