K2 Big Mountain CHILL Series – Day 2

What can we say. Epic! Massive Euro backies, 35 foot corked 360’s and more exposure than an R18 photo shoot. Obviously the weather gods wanted to see what these athlete’s could do at the ‘playground of the gods’ A completely cloudless and still bluebird day softened the solar aspects quickly and dry powdery snow awaited those that sought shaded lines. Once the competitors emerged from the chutes a niggly traverse tested those who were in control of their exit and spanked those who weren’t.

Ana Zgraggen of Switzerland took out the women’s snowboard honours and is now level with Tess Carney after two days of competition. Hanna Fisher showed why she’s defending champ in the female ski division and put down a solid run. Alex Brook bounced back from a disappointing first day to secure second place today with a technical line and a solid drop to get the crowed pumped.

The men’s snowboard division, wow! Gnarly exposed lines, one massive back flip and good times had by all. Colin Boyd took line honours and is now in second place overall. Ruarui MacFarlane took out second place today and leads the field after the Mt Olympus day of competition.

The men’s ski division was tight at the top and even tighter in the middle with solid skiing by all. Once again the French contingent flipped ludicrously sized rock drops with mixed success. Charlie Lyons skied aggressively and strongly before throwing down a massive corked 360 and stomping the landing to take the win. Tom Brownlee had a strong run on a more technical line but skied reservedly up until the end where he nailed a 30 foot 360 to finish the day in second place and first overall.

The K2 Big Mountain CHILL Series now moves to Craigieburn Valley ski area and with another stunner of a day looking likely the level of competition should be fantastic, stay tuned for, photos, results and the day’s wrap up at www.chillout.co.nz