Mt Ruapehu extreme skiing event to attract NZ and World's best talent with big prize money

Some of New Zealand’s and the World’s best names in big mountain skiing and snowboarding are expected to descend on Mt Ruapehu next month for the Export 33 Xtreme skiing event, and the Mother Snowboard Challenge at Whakapapa.



New Zealand’s biggest prize pool of almost NZD80,000 in cash and product prizes is on offer for winners of the events which start on 8 September.



Mt Ruapehu’s Export 33 Xtreme is also a four-star qualification event for the Freeride World Tour (FWT) – four stars is the highest star rating for any freeride qualification event globally.



Mt Ruapehu marketing manager, Mike Smith says the level of prize money available this year will certainly create a ripple among the World’s best big mountain skiers.



“This is the most money on offer for extreme skiing and boarding in New Zealand,” says Mr Smith. “The first place prize in the Open Men’s skiing division is USD10,000 alone which will certainly attract the best skiers to the Export 33 Xtreme event.”



“At Whakapapa we’ve got the best extreme skiing and boarding conditions available at the Pinnacles. Past Export 33 Xtreme competitors always rave about the conditions here - it’s certainly a favourite event.”



Export marketing manager, Dave Shoemack says Export 33 is stoked to be entering its third year as naming sponsor of the Export Xtreme.

“The increase in prize-money reflects the commitment to this event from both partners, and the desire to see it grow to attract some of the best riders in the world,” says Mr Shoemack. “We can’t wait to work with the team at Mt Ruapehu to shape this into a truly World class event.”

Whakapapa’s Pinnacles will play host to the extreme events and prime viewing for spectators will be from Whakapapa’s soon-to-be-completed Knoll Ridge Cafe.



The Mother Snowboard Challenge will be underway on Wednesday 8 September, as will the first rounds of the Export 33 Xtreme skiing event.