Powderhound Magazine

Round One of Perisher's KOTM event wraps up

Monday, 23 August 2010 14:01

Huw Dowdell takes to the sky over Perisher in the Playstation King of the Mountain event.

Held yesterday, round one of The Playstation King of the Mountain Series (in association with Columbia) saw some of Australia's brightest freeriding superstars take to the halfpipe and the slopestyle course...

The Open Men’s Superpipe event was a tightly contested affair with international freeskiing sensation Russell Henshaw from Jindabyne taking top honours with a corked 9 that impressed judges, spectators and organisers... “Russell took to the Superpipe with vengeance today boosting big time out of it,” said Alan Davis, Perisher’s Events Coordinator. In second place was another hot local skier Jordan Houghton and third Jono Lipzker, again from Jindabyne.

Jonno Lipzker showing his true exteremly bright colours in the superpipe.

In the Grommet’s section, Oliver Denham held off Cameron Waddell and Ethan Topalovic. “It was great to see the kids getting in and having a crack, that’s what it’s all about nurturing and developing our local talents and providing a solid competitive environment for them to excel,” said Neil Thew PR & Business Development Manager, Perisher.

Two girls contested the challenging pipe event with Dani Bauer edging out Amy O’Callaghan.

Next, the competition moved to the PlayStation Slopestyle course with the field facing a mix of kickers leading into a massive 70ft booter at the base.

Russ Henshaw reaches for the grab.

In a carbon copy of the Superpipe event, Russ Henshaw upheld his international credibility outscoring Jordan and Jono for the minor prize-money.

In the Grommet’s, Spencer Barnes from Sydney peeled off an amazing run that featured an invert at the top and a clean air off the bottom booter.

The King of the Mountain now moves to a Giant Air / Gap Jump to be held 11 September. Perisher invites all gun skiers to take part with cash, PlayStation and Columbia Sportswear prizes up for grabs.

Russ shows us the money.

“We ask that any skier who thinks they’re good enough to compete with the best, come to Perisher 11 September for the big air event. As a resort we want to see skiing events back in the forefront. Along with the Series sponsors PlayStation and Columbia we intend to make this a media event, so the profile of the competitors will be enhanced,” said Neil Thew.