NZ Open Big Mountain Qualifier Day

Yesterday (Monday2/9/13) was the qualifier for the NZ Open Big Mountain Qualifier at The Remarkables. Blues skies and spring conditions made for a glorious day skiing, viewing and mincing in the sun. there were a field of 33 men, of which 15 advanced to the finals to be held on Thursday. I qualified 6th but the day went to Fellow K2 skier and team mate Cam McDermid who took out the top spot in the mens. Tone Jersin Ansnes from Norway won the womens. Full results below.

Aaron McClean looks on as fellow competitors scope the lower half of the venue

Romy Chapotte Berthert was pleased with her run and qualified 6th for the finals

The judges take a break between the women and men competitors, head judge Dion Newport in blue and Jake McCleary (far right) relieves himself not too far away from female fellow judge Nat Segal

Hayden Seddon sends his bottom extra deep!

But Hayden’s knee was injured on impact, he is awaiting formal diagnostic. Roy Schott and Cam McDermid help him to comfort. A real shame to see Hayden go down when just the day before he was shredding so hard – I witnessed him front flip a cliff on the same face.

Cam Craigehead – the man who makes the NZ Open happen

Me, mid air on my top cliff. Photo: Tom Brownlee

Myself talking smack post run with the hilarious chin wagger and MC for the day, Zack Hogg. Photo: Tom Brownlee

Cam McDermid on his way to winning the day

Cam sipping a well earned beer as MC Zack grills him for his post run emotions

The last competitor of the day and my good friend Sebastian Fischer sends and stomps this bottom cliff to go through to the finals

Sebastian getting congratulating hugs from the groms