Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – World Heli Challenge (WHC) founder, Tony “Harro” Harrington today announced  that the remaining spots in the legendary skiing event to be held in New Zealand will be opened to “non-pro” athletes.

“This event was founded on feeding the passion for skiing and snowboarding and pushing the limits,” said Harrington. “It wasn’t created just for the pros. We realize that there are a lot of great skiers and snowboarders out there who aren’t sponsored and are not necessarily on the competition circuit.  Participants in the World Heli Challenge run the gamut from undiscovered and emerging talent to top ranked athletes and legends and that’s how we like it.

“Many World Heli Challenge competitors have been ‘discovered’ as a result of their participation in the World Heli Challenge,” Harrington added. “In 2009, Australian skier Chris Booth was discovered by the Warren Miller crew and he features in their most recent film.”

Photography generated at the event is featured globally in major ski, snowboard and mainstream publications.  In addition to coverage on major network channels, event organizers also work with a film crew to create their own footage for distribution.  This year WHC will partner with Red Bull Media House and Fuel TV to create and air a one-hour show and two 30-minute shows.

Entry in the event includes two days of heli-accessed competition (one big mountain and one freeski), two weeks of high adrenaline adventure activities including bungee jumping, jet boating and surfing (alongside legendary surfer Mark “Occy” Occhilupo, who will also be ripping up the slopes at the event), and complimentary entry to all World Heli Challenge parties including the Black and White Gala Media Awards night at the culmination of the event.

Special room rates are available on a limited number of rooms at the newly renovated Lake Hawea Hotel.
“We anticipate that spots will fill up quickly,” said Harro.  “We’ll fill them up on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Those interested in grabbing a coveted spot on the helicopter can contact Harrington at harro@worldhelichallenge.com for registration details.