Perisher Valley (NSW), Australia - Thirty-three participants from around Australia battled it out on Thursday at Perisher Blue in the hope of setting a world record for the longest ever rail slide on skis. The Salomon Rail Slide, the first ever ski event of its kind, was a huge success attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd to the Australian ski resort's Front Valley.

A competitor attempts to ski the world's longest rail at Perisher Blue on Thursday. (photo: Perisher Blue)

Local Jindabyne skier Miles Clark set a new world record during the preliminary rounds, with an impressive grind of 54.6m. This put him in good standing for the finals, however it didn't guarantee him a cash prize. Clark, along with seven other deserved finalists had to then take on 18 invited riders, all hoping to take home their share of AUD $7,500 in cash and prizes.

Amongst the line-up of invitees was Perisher Blue Fusion Team member and Australian Halfpipe Champion Boen Ferguson and freeride star Russell Henshaw. Henshaw has had a stellar season, adding to his impressive list of podium results across Europe and the States with a victory in the recent New Zealand Open slopestyle event.

On-lookers were wowed as the finalists snaked their way down the 100m-long rail in an impressive display of athleticism, agility and showmanship. Each round became increasingly more challenging as the benchmark was continually set and then broken.

Up-and-coming star Nick Breheny blitzed the field with a stunning 43.10m slide, pocketing a cool AUD $5,000 for the win. Hue Dowdall took out the second place slot with a 40.80m slide, receiving a check for AUD $2000, while Lachlan McDonald was the third place finisher with a slide of 37.7m, receiving AUD$500 for his efforts.

"The Salomon Rail Slide was a really cool event, I was stoked to see Salomon and Perisher Blue putting so much support behind a ski competition," said competitor Jonno Lipzker. "Everyone was having heaps of fun because the sun was out and there was a really good vibe."