EVENT STATUS

The Freeski Association of New Zealand along with Snow Sports News Zealand is stoked to once again host the NZ Freeski Open taking place from 28th August to the 8th September, 2012!

The awesome news is, after a ripper year in 2011, our good friends at The North Face are back for more action, as well as Volkl Skis, the oldest sponsor of freestyle skiing in New Zealand, and pretty much the founders of the NZO. Both these brands have thrown down bigger and better than ever before, ready for a game changing 2012.

The eighth annual NZ Freeski Open, The TNF Freeski Open still covers all three major freeski disciplines: Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Big Mountain.

The slopestyle and halfpipe will once again be held at the one and only SnowparkNZ, will run from Tuesday, 28th of August to Saturday, 1st of September. Taking advantage of a banging new jump line, lazercut halfpipe and all kinds of shiny new bells and whistles, the Slopestyle and Halfpipe competitions are set to impress!

The Big Mountain Competition Venue will the best weather venue between the Remarkables Shadow Basin, Alta Chutes and new Mystery Venue... competitors from last year's Big Mountain Comp might remember the huge venue outside the Remarkables boundary- the one we couldn't use because of the 3m avalanche slabs! Keep an eye on that one.

The Qualifier looks to be held on the first fair weather day Sept 3rd to 5th, and the final following up before the 8th September.

Establishing itself as the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and attracting athletes from across the globe, the NZ Freeski Open has is officially recognised on the international AFP Freeski World Tour alongside the world's biggest freeski events, as well as being a big name on the FWQ Tour. 

The North Face Big Mountain was 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 goal of the freeski association has always been to provide a proving ground for our athletes against the best in world in our own backyard," said freeski's Hamish Acland. "We've also recognised that in providing an event such as the NZ Freeski Open, we have the ability to promote NZ to the world as a premier training and competition destination."
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.

"We are seeing more and more international competitions move to invitation-only formats" says events manager Cam Craighead, "The New Zealand Open is one of the few comps in the world where scandinavians, europeans and americans can meet on an even playing field, and it just so happens some pretty good Australiasians are there to meet them. We will continue to push the open format, as it is an important part in building world-class Freeskiers"

Entrants will battle through qualifiers for a spot in the semi finals, where they will meet some of the best riders on the AFP and FWT/Q World Tours, past winners, and prequalified up and comers!

NZ Freeski Open Schedule
Tuesday 28th August, Unofficial Practice and Registration
Wednesday 29st August - Slopestyle Qualifiers - Snowpark NZ
Thursday - 30th August - Halfpipe Qualifiers - Snowpark NZ
Friday 31st of August - Slopestyle Finals - Snowpark NZ
Saturday 1st September - Halfpipe - Snowpark NZ
Sunday 2nd September - Weather Day for Halfpipe and Slopestyle - Snowpark NZ
Monday the 3rd - Saturday the 8th Is the Big Mountain Qualifiers and Big Mountain Finals.

Check out the News Section for updates throughout the Winter!