The North Face Freeski Open of New Zealand Big Mountain final went off today in the Alta Chutes of The Remarkables. A three-star Freeride World Tour Qualifier, today’s competition marked the third and final event of the 2012 NZ Open; slopestyle and superpipe were held last week at Snow Park. Skiers battled strong winds today, but enjoyed great snow. At the end of the day it was B Devine (USA) and Hannah Fisher (AUS) who emerged victorious.

The Big Mountain final was previously scheduled earlier this week, but was postponed on account of severe wind and weather. Twelve men and three women qualified for today’s final, in which they met eleven pre-qualified men and four pre-qualified women. A group decision was made to host a one-run final this afternoon, as concerns of avalanche danger were raised.

Charlie Lyons sendin’er. Photo by Mickey Ross.

On the women’s side, Hannah Fisher earned top marks thanks to smooth skiing and solid airs. Nat Segal (AUS) and Janina Kuzma (NZ) rounded out the podium in second and third, respectively, both skiing fast and aggressively.

For the men, the top five finishers were all within 0.5 points of each other, a testament to the strong level of competition. B Devine topped the field, skiing a creative run that included a 180 up top to switch 180 over a hefty drop and two solid airs mid-run, with a 360 on the latter.

Austria’s Fabio Studer took the second place spot on the podium, skiing fast and incorporating a hand-drag 360 in his run. Charlie Lyons of Christchurch skied a technical run sans flaws, propelling him to third place.

Photo by Mickey Ross.

“Iʼm stoked, the standard was really high with a lot of guys throwing technical tricks,” noted Lyons. “I decided to tone it down and play it smart as I have a big six months of competing ahead of me. I am really happy with the result.”

“The level of riding at The North Face Freeski Open of New Zealand Big Mountain competition continues to push freeride skiing every year,” said head judge Dion Newport. “It is great to see newschool tricks incorporated into so many runs. The future of freeride skiing looks very bright indeed.”

For all the information you need on the event visit the website: www.nzfreeskiopen.com

Men’s Podium:

1. B Devine
2. Fabio Studer
3. Charlie Lyons

Women’s Podium:

1. Hannah Fisher
2. Nat Segal
3. Janina Kuzma