TOP-LEVEL SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS TO COMPETE AT NZ FREE SKI OPEN’S DOWN-TOWN RAIL JAM

A selection of national and international snowsports superstars will display the art of street rail riding at this month’s inaugural NZ Free Ski Open Base Down-town Rail Jam on Friday August 25. The invitational competition will feature 10 elite free skiers and snowboarders, who will take on the massive BASE rail and perform their slides, rotations and big air in front of a panel of judges, all vying for the $2000 cash prize. Several truck loads of snow will be brought down into Wanaka courtesy of Snow Park NZ, who will ensure this impressive rail meets the exacting standards of the international competitors.

The event is a first for Free Ski Association of New Zealand, and provides an ideal opportunity to highlight the sports of free skiing and snowboarding at the highest level off the mountain, FSANZ CEO, Fraser Grieve said. “It’s huge for FSANZ to have a down-town rail jam. It celebrates the end of the Free Ski Open, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest free ski event involving the world’s best free skiers. By opening it up to snowboarders as well gives it even more depth as an event to promote snow sports.”

The free rail jam will take place in the Bullock Bar car park, on Ardmore St, from 7pm. Live music and MCs will also be there to keep the public entertained. The Free Ski Open prize giving will take place after the rail jam, followed by the Base Final Stand Party, at Canteen (tickets $10), featuring award-winning hip-hop artist DJ Shan.