The fourth annual event covers three major freeski disciplines: Slopestyle,
Halfpipe and Big Mountain. The Slopestyle and Halfpipe will be held at Snow Park
NZ Wednesday through Friday. Big Mountain freeskiers will be testing the chutes of The Remarkables and Treble Cone ski areas. Big Mountain qualifiers and semi-finals are scheduled for Monday the 25th, with finals the following day. Tuesday through Thursday of next week are being reserved as weather days.
Twenty invited and pre-qualified international riders will set the benchmark as 140 amateur and professional athletes will try to prove their worth on the
Nick Draxl, President of the Freeski Association of New Zealand (FSANZ) says that the event is crucial for the development of the sport in New Zealand.
"Having an international freeski event held on home soil not only allows our athletes the best opportunity for international success it also increases the profile of New Zealand as an international destination for winter sports."
Spectators are encouraged to watch the finals of the Slopestyle and Halfpipe events from 1 p.m. at Snow Park on the 22nd and 23rd or the Big Mountain finals beginning at 10 a.m. at Treble Cone on Tuesday, the 26th of August. Spectators should bring a comfy seat or rug.
