Skiers and boarders headed for NZ's wild side
29 Jun 2009
World Heli Challenge - Wanaka
29 August - 12 September 2009
Top snowboarders and skiers with a taste for the wild side are preparing to descend on one of New Zealand’s most remote mountainous regions.
Wanaka, a ski resort on the shores of Lake Wanaka - in New Zealand’s southern lakes region - will host the World Heli Challenge from 29 August - 12 September, 2009.
Most of the competition will take place in the Mount Aspiring national park region of the Southern Alps, on the western side of Lake Wanaka.
Snow-based thrills
The World Heli Challenge transports competitors by helicopter into otherwise inaccessible terrain for snow-based thrills and action-packed tests of snow and skill. The overall goal is to find the best all-round skier and snowboarder.
"Unrivalled camaraderie among athletes mixed with two weeks of continuous adrenalin activities, and incredible helicopter skills makes for a one of a kind event," director Tony Harrington said.
"Every competitor will be tested both physically and mentally in the challenge, which is unique to every other snow event in the world."
"The World Heli Challenge offers athletes the best conditions in which to ultimately test their all-around ability as a snow athlete."
Harrington, who travels the world filming and photographing snow sports, and organising extreme events, is a former surfer and snowboarder.
Invitation-only event
The invitation-only selection of 50 "international stars of snowboarding and skiing" will compete across three disciplines during three days of competition.
The competition days are staged over a two-week period to allow for perfect weather conditions.
Athletes vie for top honours in extreme, free ride and downhill events, and the overall title of World Heli Challenge champion.
International competitors
There are 36 places for male snowboarders and skiers, and 14 places for female competitors. Riders represent a cross section of freestylers, extremists, ski racers and freeriders.
Contestants will include Kiwi brothers Jossi and Byron Wells. Harrington describes the brothers as "two of the hottest ski kids in the world".
Other New Zealand contestants include: Will Jackaway and Maria Kuzma (snowboard), Fraser McDougal, Sam Smoothy and Janina Kuzma (ski).
International snowboarders confirmed include Ralph Backstrom, Matthew Annetts, Rob Kingwell, Susan Mol, Paula Dewey (USA); Rachel "Ratty" Sheidow, Mitch Allen (Australia); Matthias Haunholde (Austria).
International skiers include Jeff Annetts, Erik Roner, Chris Davenport, Ted Davenport (USA); J P Auclair (Canada); Andrea Berchtold, Chris Booth, Charlie Timmins, Boen Ferguson (Australia).
Outdoor sports lifestyle company Quiksilver and ski makersVolkl International are event partners. The event field is likely to include several Quiksilver team members.
Favourite competition
American sports commentator and former world extreme ski champion, Chris Davenport says the World Heli Challenge is his favourite competition. Davenport was the inaugural World Heli Challenge champion.
"No other ski or snowboard event combines freestyle, extreme and psycho downhill skills like the Heli Challenge," Davenport said.
International coverage
The event is set to create major international coverage with Warren Miller Ski Films to make a feature segment for a new movie, Harrington said. Television distribution has been confirmed for North America and Europe.
The World Heli Challenge comes on the heels of the Winter Games NZ due to take place from 22 - 30 August, in various locations in the Southern Alps.
Background: Wanaka
Lake Wanaka - in the heart of New Zealand’s southern lakes region - is the gateway to Mount Aspiring national park and Te Wahipounamu world heritage area.
The resort town of Wanaka, on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, has year-round outdoor adventures and indoor luxury.
During the long, hot summers, the braided rivers and lakes are alive with people enjoying water-based leisure sports including boating, trout fishing and water-skiing. The mountains offer extensive hiking tracks, mountaineering and rock climbing for outdoor enthusiasts.
In winter, the mountains surrounding the lake provide top ski and heli-ski facilities, attracting snow lovers from around the world to the ski resorts at Cardrona and Treble Cone.
More information:
NZ Regions: Lake Wanaka
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