Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Organizers of the World Heli Challenge have joined forces with ION Worldwide, to bring high definition footage of the two-week backcountry ski and snowboard competition and Showcase Awards to viewers around the globe.

World Heli Challenge filmmakers and athletes will use the new HD Sports Video Camera with Wi-Fi PODZ to shoot and share their videos instantly.

“We are excited to bring ION onboard as a partner,” said event founder Tony Harrington. “The quality of their product is a perfect match to the high production adventure lifestyle content that we can provide on a global scale. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to use this leading camera technology to showcase the World Heli Challenge.”

ION has signed a three-year commitment as the title sponsor of the ION Showcase Awards Night, a black tie gala event held at the culmination of the two-week competition window, featuring awards for the athletes as well as for the best photography and cinematography. In another first for the World Heli Challenge, the ION Showcase Awards Night will be broadcast live for those unable to attend in person.

Six cinematographers will capture the event through their eyes in a five-minute clip. Included in that clip will be footage shot with the ION AIR PRO.

“Partnering with the World Heli Challenge allows us to test our cameras in some of the most extreme environments on the planet,” said Giovanni Tomaselli, CEO of ION Worldwide. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our new product in the beautiful back country of New Zealand’s South Island and to have a handful of the world’s best skiers, snowboarders and cinematographers in front of and behind the lens.”