Good Times at Marmot Extreme Comp in NZ

J Dogg — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 00:09:05 -0400

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While we're sitting here watchin' ski flicks and praying for snow, shredders in NZ still have shredding to be done. Here's the news release from the recent Marmot Extreme comp that just wrapped up...

Geoff Small (NZ) and Janina Kuzma (Australia) won the second Marmot Extreme Skiing and Snowboarding Competition at Mt Ruapehu this weekend, adding yet another top-of-the-podium showing to their already impressive resumes. Robbie Walsh (USA) and Maria Kuzma (Australia) were the winners in the snowboard category.

The Comp, in it’s second year, kicked off on Saturday in the 'Pinnacles' at Whakapapa on Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand. The competition finished with 37 of the best freeriders from around the world in both ski and snowboard disciplines.

Day One action took place on ‘Policeman’s’ in front of a large crowd of spectators. Conditions on the venue where very firm in the morning due to some rain the day before and a subsequent freeze overnight. Fortunately the sunshine was out all day and conditions on the course and all over the mountain softened into some excellent spring corn.

The day’s highlights included World Freeski Tour #5 Hamish Acland's fast smooth triple-drop-straightline through a large choke in the middle of the course. Geoff Small and Janina Kuzma also stepped up with impressive lines through the same area but it was Acland who ended up in first place by a very slim margin. The event’s jam format let competitors compete side by side with skiers and riders, taking two runs each at they're own pace.

Sunday’s venue was moved up to the 'Door', a steep line with lots of features for competitors to work. With tight races in all the categories it was anyone’s Comp to win. Turoa Doctor and ex Scottish World Cup racer Tess Pirie laid down a very impressive run on Day 2 but it wasn't quite enough to catch Janina Kuzma, who's difficult line choices paid off, winning her the women’s ski title.

Robbie Walsh stepped up in the snowboard competition coming out the clear winner of the day with his smooth line. Maria Kuzma followed her twin sisters’ lead and rode a solid and difficult line to come out almost 10 points ahead on the women’s snowboard side.

On the men’s skiers side it was a battle for first between Kiwi superstars Geoff Small and Hamish Acland both of whom have won many North American freeskiing titles and world tour rankings. Small found his way into an exposed section of the course that no one thought possible, stomping at least 3 big airs and making it look easy. Acland linked together 4 huge airs but took an awkward tumble before taking another huge air with an injured arm. Two Canadians, Kyle Armstrong and Tim Haggerty, took third and forth respectively, skiing strong smooth lines with plenty of air. Whakapapa legend Lyall Crump was a crowd favourite when he went huge, showing everyone he wasn't about to be out done on his home turf.

The whole event was a huge hit amongst the participants, almost all of whom got a little something from headline sponsor Marmot and the other sponsors like 4FRNT Skis, Options Snowboards, Nokia, Giro, the World Snowboard Guide, Nalgene and BigLines.com.

Event organiser and Mt Ruapehu Marketing Coordinator Tim Wilkinson said “This year’s Comp exceeded expectations. Not only did the prizepool increase, but so did the number and quality of athletes which is the most important thing. We had local and international film crews here to capture the action which will further increase the popularity and notoriety of the Marmot Extreme Comp. The Team here at Mt Ruapehu are already looking forward to next year’s Comp as many competitors have pledge they’ll be returning, in addition to many pro-skiers and top ranked World Tour athletes already indicating their interest in next year’s event!”

For photos and video action check out www.mtruapehu.com/extremecomp.

Marmot Extreme Comp is Back + $40,000

J Dogg — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 01:07:45 -0400

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A $40,000 Prize Pool is what entrants competing in the Marmot Extreme Skiing & Snowboarding Competition are vying for when they hurl themselves down the dangerous double black diamond terrain known as The Pinnacles at Whakapapa Ski Area, the largest area in New Zealand.

Last year the inaugural Marmot Extreme Comp exceeded all expectations! This event is the only type of its kind on the North Island. It is also one of a very small number of Big Mountain competitions in the world that includes skiing and snowboarding (and telemarkers!). The Prize Pool is only second in the country to the NZ Burton Open and is bigger than many of the same type of events overseas.

The Comp is open to anyone 18yrs old and older and will be held at Whakapapa Ski Area on Mt. Ruapehu from September 23rd to 26th 2006 (with extra contingency days if needed).

Already there have been some big names within the freeskiing scene who will be coming to Mt Ruapehu for the event. Ex Mt Ruapehu Pro Patroller and sponsored Marmot skier Geoff Small will be competing. This is a huge boost for the event as Geoff was seven times New Zealand Big Mountain Freeskiing Champion, 3 times North American Freeski Champion and the list goes on! Geoff will also be running a Freeskiing Clinic during the week before the Comp (spaces are limited!). Nigel McKissock, who has competed in the North American Freeskiing Circuit and has also judged for the International Freeskiers Association, will yet again be involved in the event.

Last year there were competitors from NZ, England, Australia, France, Canada, the US and Switzerland. No doubt there will be more this year. We are already receiving reports several big named overseas skiers will be competing. Athletes must pre-register online as spots are limited. Registration opens Friday, Sept 25^th.

“The in-bounds extreme terrain here at Mt Ruapehu is insane. No other commercial ski area in NZ comes close to it for sheer challenging terrain, except maybe the Chutes at Treble Cone. We encourage skiers and boarders from NZ and around the world to come and try their luck at winning part of the $40,000 prize pool, thanks to our sponsors Marmot, 4FRNT Skis, Option Snowboards, Giro Helmets and Nokia”! Mt. Ruapehu Marketing Coordinator Tim Wilkinson said. More details on www.mtruapehu.com/extremecomp.

Located in the central North Island of New Zealand, Mt Ruapehu operates Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas, the two largest in the country (550ha/1360 acres and 500ha/1236 acres respectively). Turoa also has Australasia’s biggest vertical drop of 722m. Conveniently located between Auckland and Wellington, it is an easy 4-5hr drive on sealed roads. Mt Ruapehu recently announced $30 million on on-mountain investments including three new high speed chairs. This is the biggest investment in the NZ ski industry. For more information visit www.mtruapehu.com.

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Good Times at Marmot Extreme Comp in NZ

Marmot Extreme Comp is Back + $40,000