Wanaka, New Zealand (August 22nd, 2008) The Volkl NZ Freeski Open by the Royal New Zealand Air Force launched its first competition day with enormous success.

Winter X Games superstar Tanner Hall (USA) lived up to his reputation taking out first place taking home $5000 in the Men’s Halfpipe with seven smooth hits including a right-side 900 rotation, left-side 900, flat-spin 540, ally oop, Flat-spin 360, switch 720 & finishing with an Ali oop 900.

During an interview Hall commented, “New Zealand is definitely an amazing place. If more people can realise how good it is down here we can really grow the NZ freeski scene.”

The event was delayed due to heavy snow and wind but as the organizers had expected, the weather eased by midday, allowing for an otherwise perfect competition day.

The international field was of the highest standard the Volkl New Zealand Freeski Open has ever seen. International athletes went head to head with determined Southern Hemisphere freeskiers who took the opportunity to step up to the challenge and get noticed.
New Zealander Byron Wells shined on his home turf placing fifth as did his younger brother Beau-James who placed 12th.  Big Brother Jossi was unable to compete due to injury.

Second place went to 2008 World Superpipe Champs runner up Justin Dorey (USA) and third place with a break through result went to Walter Woods of USA.

Japan dominated the Women’s division with Miyuki Hatanaka and Manami Mitsuboshi taking first and third place respectively. Second Place went to Anais Caradeux of France.

With blue skies forecast for Saturday, spectators can look forward to another action packed day as some of the biggest names in international freeskiing including Tanner Hall (USA), Russ Henshaw (AUS), Sammy Carlson (USA), Colby West (USA), and Xavier Bertoni (FRA) battle it out on Snow Park’s specially designed slopestyle course.

Spectators are encouraged to watch the finals of the Slopestyle from 1pm at Snow Park on the 23rd August. The Remarkables will host the qualifying round of the Big Mountain event on the 25th August and Treble Cone will host the finals from 10am on Tuesday the 26th August. Spectators should bring a comfy seat/rug!

To visit the event promotion, go to www.freeskiopennz.com. Media representatives wishing to obtain an FTP login and password to easily obtain footage, photos and daily press releases please contact Kristy Quin at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Full Results for the Volkl NZ Freeski Open by the Royal NZ Air Force - Halfpipe: Available www.freeskiopennz.com