Skiing to the extreme

As for extreme skiers a bad day in the office can turn out really, really bad.
Luckily for 40 of the country's top extreme skiers and snowboarders at the Nokia sponsored Xtreme Ski and Snowboard Championships at Mt Ruapehu a day in the office went according to plan.

Heats were held this week under the Policeman's, with skiers descending a near-vertical line opposite the Waterfall chairlift. Contestants did their best to pick the quickest, though not the safest, route to the bottom. Finals will be held this weekend further up the valley under the Pinnacles, where the descent is steeper.

The four-day event has attracted $50,000 in prizes for contestants from the United States and Australia as well as New Zealand.

Extreme, or free skiing, is becoming more popular, event co- ordinator Ruapehu Alpine lift assistant marketing co-ordinator Shannon Clement says, as more skiers and snowboarders are looking to test themselves.

Geoff Small, of Ohakune, has been freeskiing for the past 12 years semi-professionally. Small, the New Zealand Freeski Association president, is past national and North American freeski champion.

Mt Ruapehu is ideal for extreme skiing competitions, he says. The snow conditions and terrain are challenging and change from day to day.

And unlike many ski areas overseas spectators have a good view of the contestants.

"It's getting more popular because there is the freedom to express yourself. Extreme skiing brings together all the best elements of skiing and combines it into one. It's the ultimate, it's skiing in its purest form."

Injuries happened, but no more than in contact sports, he said.

On Wednesday Ruapehu-based extreme skier Tim Hegarty broke his leg and pelvis practising for this weekend's event. Former national champion Hamish Acland will also not compete because of injury.

In 12 years of competing Small said he had only suffered from torn knee ligaments. "But when you have a bad day at the office, it can go really, really bad."

Skiers and snowboarders are awarded points by judges on difficulty of line, control, fluidity, technique and aggression.

Extreme skier and and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts ski instructor Lyall Crump said points were earned by skiers who chose the steepest and hardest way down the slope.