Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Fifteen-year-old Ty Walker, of Stowe, Vt., took third place on Friday at the season’s first slopestyle contest, the Burton High Fives at Snow Park, New Zealand. Walker, who struggled with nagging injuries last season, was able to ride to the podium with her first backside 700 in stacked competition of invited riders, most of whom are five to eight years her senior.

Walker’s final run scored a 77 and consisted of a 50/50 lipslide, front 360 tailtap, frontside 360, backside 700 and a method.

“It was hard to get use to the course and being back on snow at first, but once I got warmed up I felt really comfortable,” she said. “I am so happy I got to do well, it was a tough field of riders and the competition was throwing down some good tricks, like switch 5’s and 7’s. I am so glad I came down for this event, this is a great way to start my season.”

The contest was set up in a jam style format that allowed for competitors to be scored on their best run out of a four. Finland’s Enni Rukajärvi took first with New Zealand’s Christy Prior second.

The FIS World Cup visits the region to start its season this weekend at Cardrona Alpine Resort.