Three Queenstowners have been selected in a formidable Oceania team at the inaugural ‘International Obsidian’, being held next month.
Freeskier Ruby Star Andrews, and snowboarders Cool Wakushima and Tiarn Collins will be joined by Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic gold medallist, Wānaka freeskier Nico Porteous, freeskier Finn Bilous, also from Wānaka, and Australians Daisy Thomas (freeskier), Jess McGregor and Valentino Guseli (snowboarders).
Guseli this year became the first snowboarder from any nation to secure World Cup podiums in all three park and pipe disciplines in a single
season, and won the overall Crystal Globe, which Collins won last year.
Andrews, meanwhile, has had a breakout year, claiming her first World Cup podium in January, and is fizzing to fire up in Obsidian.
‘‘It’s going to be such a different style of competition with the teams instead of individuals.
“I think it’s going to create a really competitive environment, which will make for some exciting viewing.’’
Obsidian sees invited teams, comprising the best freeski and snowboard athletes representing Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania, battle for bragging rights across custom-built terrain park venues at Cardrona Alpine Resort and freeride terrain in mountains around Wānaka.
Porteous says it’s a unique event because it’s not sanctioned or part of the World Cup circuit.
‘‘It’s an alternative event that is crafted for both creative and competitive skiers and snowboarders that thrive in all as pects of freeskiing.’’
Winter Games NZ boss Marty Toomey says the aim’s to make Obsidian — first held in 2020 as a WGNZ replacement — a ‘‘must-do’’ event on the calendar for the world’s best.
International Obsidian’s being held within a five-day weather window from September 9 to 13 — the Big Air and Park Jam will be held at Cardrona on September 9 and 10, respectively, while the final challenge, a heli-accessed backcountry freestyle event, is planned in the mountain ranges on September 12 or 13.
