EVENT STATUS

The Freeski Association of New Zealand in conjunction with Snow Sports News Zealand is proud to once again stage the NZ Freeski Open taking place from 1st Septermber to 18th September, 2011.

The NZ Freeski Open has been around for a few years now, but our good friends at The North Face decided it was time to step up to the plate and take on the title sponsorship. Alongside Volkl Skis, the oldest running sponsor of freestyle skiing in New Zealand and pretty much the founder of the NZO, the North Face and the NZ Freeski Association are looking to the future!

The seventh 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 return to SnowparkNZ, will run from Thursday, 1st September to Saturday, 3rd 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 is the best weather venue between the Remarkables Shadow Basin, Alta Chutes and Treble Cones Motatpu Chutes. The Qualifier looks to be held on the first fair weather day Sept 14th to 16th, and the final following up before the 18th 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 freeski World Tour alongside the world's biggest freeski events.
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 Volkl 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.

Entrants will battle through qualifiers for a spot in the finals.
NZ Freeski Open Schedule
Wednesday 31st August - Training - Snowpark NZ
Thursday 1st September - Slopestyle Qualifiers - Snowpark NZ
Friday 2nd September - Slopestyle Finals - Snowpark NZ
Saturday 3rd September - Halfpipe - Snowpark NZ
Sunday 4th September - Weather Day for Halfpipe and Slopestyle - Snowpark NZ

Wednesday the 14th - 16th Is the Big Mountain Qualifiers, Open to any experienced big mountain competitor.

Following the Qualifier - Sunday 18st August - The North Face Big Mountain Finals

About the Freeride World Tour Qualifier (Big Mountain) Since 2008, the Freeride World Tour has made sports history bringing together top international freeride skiers and snowboarders, men and women, competing at prestigious resorts around the world, battling for the World Champion title.

As a premier event, the Volkl New Zealand Freeski Open offers double the points in the overall Series result. www.freerideworldtour.com About the Association of Freeski Professionals World Tour (Slopestyle and Halfpipe) Event rankings are based upon course construction, prize money, media exposure and quality of competitor field and determined by the Executive Committee of the AFP. Final points for each event are determined after the start list is confirmed and the strength field based on AFP standings is weighted into consideration. The Best four results are used for halfpipe and the best three results for Slopestyle and Big Air to determine the World Champions. www.afpworldtour.com