The Volkl Freeski Open

2008 will see the VOLKL NZ Freeski Open by the Royal NZ Air Force stepping it up to a level which rivals that of the world’s biggest freeski events. With a complete athlete focus and international team of organisers this will undoubtedly prove to be the best freeski event to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere.

The fourth annual event covers three major freeski disciplines: Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Big Mountain. The Slopestyle and Halfpipe are held at Snow Park NZ. Big Mountain freeskiers face the steepest and most challenging terrain testing the chutes of The Remarkables and Treble Cone ski areas.

The slopestyle course is being designed to ensure the riders have the features they need to be able to throw down big! 20 invited 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 fight through qualifiers and semis for a spot in the finals and a share of the $35,000 prize pool!

Coming on board, Malua Sport Events Founder Alex Zika will lead the charge as event Manager, International Head X Games Judge Josh Loubek to lead the Halfpipe and Slopestyle judging panel and Jim Jack, World Tour Head Judge leading the Big Mountain judges.

Jim and Josh will also run judging workshops leading into the event. Athletes welcome. More info www.freeskiopennz.com

Off the snow, our official off-snow venue BASE Backpackers, Wanaka will host the riders meetings, official parties, movie premiers, feature bands.

Event Schedule:

1-17th AUGUST
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Limited spots – ($20 late fee applies after the 17th)

20th August:
* Welcome party and event registration @BASE Backpackers

21st – 23rd August:
* Slopestyle and Halfpipe @ Snow Park. 4pm après ski @ Snow Park

23rd August:
* Party –Sticky Date Pudding & Charter Magazine present Hunting Yeti Premier by K2 & Helly Hanson @ Base Backpackers ‘Mint’ Bar.

25th August:
* Big Mountain Qualifiers and Semis @ The Remarkables

26th August
* Big Mountain Finals @ The Treble Cone

27-29th August:
* Contingency Days

29th August:
* Official Event Party - featuring ‘RAZ BIN SAM & The Lion I Band’ & screening of event footage @ Base Backpackers ‘Mint’ Bar. The Aussie band will be working the crowd at the final event after party while the footage of the week’s event is played back on the giant screen. The Bolle Young Gun award will be presented and giveaways for spectators aplenty! www.razbinsam.com

* Accommodation: www.stayatbase.com E: wanaka@stayatbase.com
* Car Rental: www.jucy.co.nz

Partners: VOLKL, ROYAL NZ AIR FORCE, BOLLE, RED BULL, PAKWORLD, JUCY CAR RENTALS, WANAKA PAINTBALL, TOKO WAX, BASE BACKPACKERS, NZ SKIER MAGAZINE, GRAND MERCURE OAKRIDGE RESORT WANAKA, NZ SKI & SNOW MAGAZINE, DAKINE, LION FOUNDATION, NZ COMMUNITY TRUST, SNOW.CO.NZ