Competitors at the 2011 World Heli Challenge witnessed an amazing day during the final day of the competition yesterday (Tuesday 2nd August 2011).

Barge launches, Young Guns and broken legs
Athletes and event crew boarded a barge that crossed the upper tip of Lake Wanaka, heading towards the base of the Minaret Station. The barge then became the launch site for the helicopters.

The final day of the World Heli Challenge 2011 saw many atheletes going huge with aw-inspiring cliff drops that had the spectators holding their breath until they were landed safely. Several of the lines looked impossible to ski or snowboard, but the athletes displayed why they are the best of the best, making it all look easy.

Highlights of the day included exceptional runs by skiers Ben Schmitt (USA) and Fraser McDougall (Wanaka, NZ).

Tony Harrington, founder of the World Heli Challenge, said: “Fraser had one of the most ripping runs ever in the Heli Challenge.”

Snowboarders Dave Saxton, Mike Basich and Will Jackways also had amazing runs, as did Australia’s Nat Segal.

The final day of the 2011 World Heli Challenge was also a day of showcasing the best in young skiing and snowboarding talent, with impressive displays from Drew Peterson, Mark Hendrickson, Lyon Farrell, Mitch Reeves, and Hank Bilous.

Tony Harrington said: “All the Young Guns put in solid runs. It will be exciting to see what the future hold for every one of these guys.”

Two-time World Heli Challenge champion, Ted Davenport, went huge on his first run in a bid to regain his title but failed to make his landing and destroyed his ski on the rocky ridges. This didn’t stop him going even bigger on his second run, where again he had problems and unfortunately ended up breaking his leg.

Some of the world’s top photographers and film makers were also there, trying to win the award for best photographer or film maker in the first ever World Heli Challenge Shootout. Photos and mini-documentaries will be featured in the World Heli Challenge Showcase evening on Thursday 11th August 2011 at the Lake Wanaka centre.

Winners of the 2011 World Heli Challenge will not be announced until the World Heli Challenge Showcase evening on the 11th August 2011. For more information on what the athletes are up to between now and then, head to the World Heli Challenge website.