BettyGoHard Women Action Sports Blog

World Cup athletes ready to impress

North America is currently in the middle of their summer but winter never sleeps.  New Zealand is preparing to host the world in their 2012 Winter Games.  These games will be host to a number of World Cups as they kick off the countdown to Sochi, Russia in 2014.  With a high level of competitors traveling to compete this year it shows the level of prestige New Zealand has gained for their winter games event.

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (August 6, 2012) – Elite skiers and riders representing twenty four nations are lining up to compete in the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Halfpipe World Cups at Cardrona Alpine Resort from 20-26 August 2012.

Olympic medallists, World Cup champions and Winter Games 2011 medallists all feature in the field of athletes as they compete in the first event of the official Olympic qualification period for Sochi, Russia in 2014. The upcoming event is this year's sole World Cup stop in the Southern Hemisphere.

Top riders planning to compete in the snowboard halfpipe include Nathan Johnstone (AUS) who finished the 2011 season as the highest ranked halfpipe rider on the World Cup circuit and is the current Bronze Olympic medal holder, Ryo Aono (JPN) runner up of the 2011 World Cup circuit and Arthur Longo (FRA) who placed third. Also to compete are Tore Holvik, Norway’s national champion, Dimi De Jong (NED), who is currently third in the World Cup standings, Johann Baisamy (FRA) And Taku Hiraoka (JPN).

The women’s snowboard field is equally strong with nine of the top ten Olympic field on the start list including Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze medallists: Torah Bright (AUS), Hannah Teter (USA) and Kelly Clark (USA) respectively. Also competing is last season’s Wold Cup halfpipe champion Cai Xuetong (CHN) who will be looking to retain the New Zealand World Cup title. Holly Crawford (AUS), 2011 World Cup series runner up and Stephanie Magiros (AUS) who is currently second on the TTR rankings.

The international riders face strong competition from New Zealand’s home grown snowboarding talent. Mitchell Brown (Mt Maunganui), James Hamilton (Auckland) and Ben Stewart (Christchurch) are all on the start list. Mitch’s sister, Kendall Brown (Mt Maunganui) and Olympian Rebecca Sinclair (Wanaka) will be vying for top spots in the women’s competition.

The freeski athletes will enter a new era as their competition points, for the first time, will count towards gaining an Olympic spot. The International Olympic Committee announced in April that men's and women's halfpipe skiing will be an Olympic sport at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Last season’s Freestyle Ski Halpipe World Cup champion Benoit Valentin (FRA) has confirmed he will be competing later this month alongside the talented USA freeskier Torin Yater-Wallace and Gus Kenworthy (USA) who placed first in freestyle ski halfpipe of the 2011 Winter Games NZ. With the home advantage Jossi Wells, second at the 2011 Winter Games NZ and AFP Overall World Champion in 2010, together with brother Byron Wells and Lyndon Sheehan will be representing New Zealand.

In the women’s freestyle ski competition top freestyle skier Virginie Faivre (SUI), who placed 4th in 2012 Winter X Games Europe Halfpipe, will have strong competition from Manami Mitsuboshi (JPN) and Kimmy Sharp (USA). New Zealand’s Janina Kuzma (Wanaka), two-time Canadian Freeski Champion and two-time World Heli Challenge Champion, Rose Battersby (Taupo) and Amy Sheehan (Wanaka) will be aiming for positions on the women’s podium.

Winter Games NZ CEO, Arthur Klap is thrilled the World Cups have attracted such an elite field of athletes. “The competition will be fierce which is great for both the athletes and spectators who will be entertained by the creative mix of tricks, back-to-back rotations and big air grabs,” he said. “Being a year out from the Winter Games 2013 and attracting this calibre of athletes gives us a message how highly regarded New Zealand is as a snow sports destination capable of staging world class competitions.”

Off mountain the Winter Games Adventure Film Festival from the 24^-26 August returns to Queenstown. There’s an action packed programme of spectacular adventure films to inspire and entertain.

The FIS Freestyle Ski Halfpipe World Cup will take place on 22 August while the FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup will take place on 25-56 August, both at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

For further information, visit www.wintergamesnz.com

This weekend was the kick off party of the annual Kokanee Spring Fest. For the past several years Red Mountain has created two weeks of fun times and unique activities for the big and little kids to get out and play, and this year looks to even better. The Blue and White party was held in Rafters on Saturday, where one lucky partygoer won a Kokanee tower speaker for their costume. Followed by the Doubledown Slopestyle competition on Sunday and a unique dinner experience at Paradise lodge, that I am sure was a great experience. As I was off Catskiing on Saturday with a bit of a sore head from our Big Red Cats staff party and recovering at Ainsworth Hot Springs on Sunday I will find out how the Slopestyle went and report back.

The lineup for the rest of Spring Break includes a Poker Run on Tuesday, Cruise the Blues & Wing night in Rafters on Wednesday and the always entertaining Open Mic Night in Rafters. The weekend is looking like one not to be missed. Starting with Mat the Alien on Friday in Rafters it only gets better from there so pace yourselves. There will be the Oakley Camp of Champions Airbag out all weekend in the Rockstar Park, free to anyone willing to huck themselves. Demopolooza is also going on with all your favorite brands lining up to give you a go on next year’s skis and boards. Also happening is the infamous Cliff Dive on Red Mountain on Saturday and the Mogul mania on Sunday, so get out there and show us what you got! Saturday will wrap up with a deck party in true Red Retro party style.

So whoever you are, whatever your skill level there is something for everyone this week at Red. Bring the kids as there will be activities and games to keep them busy too.

See you there.

What could be better than free?  Blackjack are keen to show off their groomers and get you out playing in the snow.  If you don't have plans on Sunday I would say - why not go skiing?

LAST FREE SKI DAY March 11 2012

See you there.......