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Posted on Saturday August 14th at 10:49 a.m.
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Establishing itself as the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and attracting athletes from across the globe, the Volkl NZ Freeski Open is officially recognised on the international Freeski World Tour, earning competitors points for a start in the alongside the world's biggest freeski events.
The North Face Big Mountain is the first ever Southern Hemisphere Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) Event, while the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) is including the Slopestyle and Halfpipe as an AFP points earner.
A handful of International pre-qualified riders will set the benchmark giving the 140 amateur and professional athletes the chance to prove their worth on the world stage. Entrants will battle through qualifiers for a spot in the finals.
Big mountain skiing is a test of a skier's creativity, athleticism and ability to push their personal limits. A spectator-friendly sport, big mountain skiing requires the successful management of huge cliff jumps, rock drops, tight chutes, steep powder stashes, and variable snow and weather conditions. Athletes have the freedom to select their own line, which they must commit to memory and then ski with speed and commitment. Athletes are judged on the fluidity or their run, the technical difficulty of their line, the amplitude of the air they achieve and the commitment of their chosen line.
Treble Cone will be home to The North Face Big Mountain competition which will take place when weather and conditions are deemed appropriate between 16 August and 21 August.
The North Face athletes competing in the Volkl NZ Freeski Open include Fraser McDougall, Charlie Timmins, Janina Kuzma and Mitchey Grieg.