Wanaka, New Zealand – Twenty-two elite skiers and snowboarders were treated to a over a foot of fresh powder and clearing skies today as the World Heli Challenge lifted off in New Zealand with a Freestyle Day on untapped terrain at Mt. Turner in the Wilkin.
The athletes were flown by Southern Lakes Heliski from the Makarora Valley to their terrain on Mt. Turner, and made first descents on a new venue for the event.
“As far as we know we are the first to ride this zone and the mix of natural features with a fresh delivery of snow made it an ideal pick for the Freestyle Day,” said event director Tony Harrington.
While the athletes put on a show using natural features to show off their freestyle prowess, including double back flips, 720s, off-axis rotations and an amazing switch backside 360, a posse of ten photographers and filmmakers documented the day from take-off to landing for the Canon Shootout. Adding a touch of Hollywood to the action, a heli-mounted Shotover camera system flew just meters above the athletes, capturing every trick and powder turn in 3D.
After a morning dominated by low clouds the conditions cleared, giving the skiers and boarders two runs each.
“Conditions were variable today with beautiful fresh powder at the top of the run, grippy snow in the middle and deep soft snow at the bottom, making it a challenge for the athletes. Regardless, they still managed some fast, competent skiing and pulled off some technical tricks,” said head snowboard judge Mike Hygemann.
Head ski judge, Geoff Small agreed with Hygemann, saying, “Despite the challenging conditions, the athletes managed to get in there and get the job done, with many throwing big over the first ridgeline. The kiwis definitely represented well and it was nice to have a mix of international athletes along to keep the locals honest.”
In addition to the on-venue judging the World Heli Challenge has developed a unique judging model that taps into an online panel of top judges around the globe who review each athlete’s line from long-lens footage.
The World Heli Challenge crew are reviewing the weather to find a suitable day and choose the terrain for the Extreme Day later this week. Snowfall is expected tomorrow, granting the athletes a well-deserved rest day when they plan to head to the island country’s west coast for an overnight, followed by the annual surf day on Wednesday.
The World Heli Challenge culminates at the Lake Wanaka Centre next Thursday, August 22 with the iON Showcase Awards and Canon Shootout.
“The build up is intense and the athletes only find out who’s won on the night. It’s one of the best parties of the season and the Canon Shootout makes it a winter film festival on steroids,” said Harrington. “It’s a real buzz to bring all the highlights of the event together and to celebrate it with the community here in Wanaka.”
Tickets to attend the iON Showcase Awards night and Canon Shootout cost NZ $20 and available at The Board House and Racers Edge in Wanaka.