Kiwis Dominate Skiing and Boarding Competition at Mt Ruapehu

Kiwis Dominate First Days of Extreme Skiing and Boarding Competition at Mt Ruapehu

-New Zealand skiers and snowboarders among world’s best-

Despite hefty international competition, Kiwis dominated the first days of the 2011 Export 33 Xtreme ski event and trumped offshore pros to win the snowboarding competition.

Locals Sam Smoothy and Charlie Lyons followed by USA’s B Devine topped the male skiing competition, which goes into its final day today. Female skiers ranked top of the table for today are Ohakune local Nicola Eves, Slovenian Manca Kravina and American Chantelle Heroux.

Meanwhile New Zealander Colin Boyd has taken out the male snowboarding competition for 2011 followed by Jordan Decker and Philipp Wuethrich. Continuing the Kiwi winning streak, Wanaka’s Abby Lockart was crowned best female in a ceremony last night followed by Aucklander Maria Kuzma and Ohakune’s Maia Stier in second and third respectively.

This year’s events attracted one of the best fields of competitors from New Zealand and abroad seen in recent years. Several European and US big mountain skiers made the trip to Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa Ski Area in an effort to win New Zealand’s biggest cash prize, US$10,000 for male ski, and prizes from sponsors Salomon, Marmot and Smith. In addition, places on the Freeride World Tour are a major drawcard given the Export 33 Xtreme is a 4 star Freeride World Qualifier.

Among the Export Xtreme 33 regulars Cromwell-born ski legend Sam Smoothy is delighted to be leading the table and competing on home turf.

“I travel the world competing year round, and this is one of my favourite events to come to.”

Spokesperson for Mt Ruapehu, Lacey Dandy is impressed with Kiwi performance and the calibre of this year’s competitors.

“The competition has lifted to a whole new level,” says Ms Dandy. “The quality of skiing and boarding is exceptional, and we’re extremely proud that the Kiwis are dominating in spite of such fierce competition.”

Competitors were treated to bluebird conditions which are predicted to continue on to the ski finals today.

For more information please visit www.mtruapehu.com.

Twitter: @MountRuapehu
Facebook: Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa & Turoa Ski Areas

ENDS

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