Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Competitors at the 2010 World Heli Challenge awoke to a heavy inversion layer Thursday morning and there was question as to whether the contest’s Extreme Day would run. Bound and determined to make the day a success, event founder Tony “Harro” Harrington and technical director, Nick Mills, headed out in a helicopter through breaking cloud to assess the situation and found the perfect venue for the day’s contest.nWith blue skies and light winds the setting was amazing. After a first run by the judges to assess the conditions and let the athletes get an idea of
what was in store, the competition was on.

From the helicopter landing pad, skiers and snowboarders hiked narrow ridges and perched
themselves precariously along the ledges of the mountain.

The judges got the best runs of the day with reasonably soft, chalky snow. It wasn’t long,
though, before the angle of the sun changed and much of the terrain was shaded leading to
variable conditions and a more challenging course for many of the competitors. Because of the late start and the snow conditions, the competitors were only able to do one
run instead of the planned two runs.

“Conditions in the history of this event have never been so difficult or
extreme,” said Harrington.

Highlights of the day included a crazy line by American snowboarder Travis Rice and a near
disaster when American skier Ted Davenport set off a class two avalanche that he managed to ski
out of.

Rice was the obvious choice for overall men’s snowboarder followed by Shin Biyahima
(Japan), New Zealand’s Will Jackways, Andy Finch (USA) and Chris Rasman (Canada).

When asked about his experience at this year’s event Rice commented, “It’s New Zealand to
the max, total immersion. This is truly an epic contest, the terrain is here, the riders are here, and the heart of the
event is here, unfortunately this year, the snow wasn’t here. No matter
where you are you’re only batting 60% on getting good snow anyways. So here’s to next
year… I’ll be back.”

After accepting his award, Rice added, “Snowboarding needs more events like these to
back what it’s really all about.”

Davenport successfully defended his title, once again being named overall winner in the
skiing category, with New Zealand’s Sam Smoothy, Fraser McDougall and Cam McDermid taking out
second through fourth place, respectively, and Chris Booth of Australia rounding it out with a
fifth place finish.

“It was great to come and win this prestigious event in the most opposite of conditions of last
year,” said Davenport. “Last year was the best ever (snow conditions) and this year was the
worst. Winning both years shows that I can adapt to whatever nature brings.”

World number one ranked freeskier, Ane Enderud was the overall women’s champion
followed by last year’s champion Janina Kuzma, who got the award for biggest air this year.

World number one ranked snowboarder, Aline Bock took the honors for women’s
snowboarding with defending champion, New Zealand’s Maria Kuzma, as runner up and first time
competitor, Elysia Gibb also from New Zealand rounding out the podium in third place.

Enderud and Bock have enjoyed their time in New Zealand together and commented on
how much fun they’ve had at the event as well as on the off days. Both have taken full
advantage of the adventure days and also squeezed in a day of skydiving. They are equally
excited about earning qualification into the World Extreme Skiing Championships and King
of the Hill Contest in Alaska.

“Going to Alaska has been a lifelong dream,” said Bock. “Now, because of this event, it will
come true.”

They are also excited to return to New Zealand next year having earned free entry into the
2011 World Heli Challenge.

The final award of the night, the Fktor Award that honors the athlete who without question pushes the envelope to stomp an epic run, went to Charlie Timmins. The prize is a week-long heli package at
Points North Heli in Cordova, Alaska courtesy of Kevin Quinn.

Had the freestyle day been judged, Timmins would have likely been the winner, going bigger
than anyone else. Timmins was also chosen because he has been a stellar role model and
has shown initiative in mentoring up and coming skiers, including 11-year-old “grommie” competitor Mitch Reeves.

“I would love to give this
award to every single one of you,” said Harrington in presenting the Fktor Award. “You’ve all come from around the world, and paid big entry
fees to go up and play with your friends and there’s no prize money.”

He added, “That’s why I spend twelve months a year to make this happen.”

Other awards presented Thursday night include:

• Freestyle Charging Awards – Shannan Yates
• Best “Rear View” – Luke Potts
• Driver Dip Stick Award – Elysia Gibb
• Harden Up – Ralph Backstrom (for being bloodied two years in a row)
• Media Star Award – Blizzird (the rescue dog)

Saturday marks
the return of the legendary Big Air in-town contest with the Exstreamtv Street Style Snow Show
beginning at 4 p.m. at the Lake Hawea Hotel, followed by the After Burner Party at 9 p.m.