Taking on the Chutes

The fourth annual Volkl NZ Freeski Open held at Treble Cone in late August, marking the season opener of the international ski calendar, saw Dunedin’s Alastair Eason and Wanaka’s Janina Kuzma take the top spots in the The Big Mountain competition at Mototapu Chutes. Eason’s gutsy line choice conjured a roar of applause from the crowd as he put down the run of the day, with perfect landings off 15 meter-high cliffs and fluid, smooth skiing. “I’m really happy to have finally nailed it,” said Eason. “I’ve placed second once, and third twice over the past few years so I’m stoked!” Kuzma topped the field in the women’s category with a score of 80 out of 100. Her spectacular cliff drops were backed up by faultless skiing and smooth, clean lines. “So super happy to win again,” Kuzma said. “In the morning the snow was super firm, but the sun was shining and the weather was fantastic.”