The first day of The World Heli Challenge got kicked off today with Free ride day. The crew woke to a perfect day in the Makaroa Valley, Mount Aspiring National Park in the South Island of New Zealand. Five helicopters picked up the 68 competitors plus media, judges and officials and like clockwork delivered the crew into the depths of Mount Gilbert, only accessible via helicopter. With thirty centimetres of fresh powder snow the night before, the natural course looked like the ideal playground.

Competitors are judged on the degree of difficulty on their chosen line down the face, control, fluidity, style and amplitude. This event is a lot more than taking a run and pleasing the judges however, Tony Harrington, event director best describes what Free ride day and The World Heli Challenge is all about: "The Free Ride is an event that allows competitors to showcase their acrobatic and free riding skills. They utilise natural terrain of rollovers, wind lips and purpose built jumps to strut their stuff, where the most inspirational moves and fluidity win the day."

"Its unlike any other event in the world, The World Heli Challenge epitomises the soulful spirit and lifestyle of free riding and free skiing, a long way beyond the confines of traditional ski racing, where rules and regulations often miss the point of why most people ski and snowboard in the first place."

The World Heli Challenge not only offers a unique three-day event of world class riding and skiing, it additionally offers the competitors to work in a supportive environment with like-minded people. This is obvious in competition today when, the crew screamed out encouragement to each other and cheered at the best tricks and attempts.