Buller X Goes International
BULLER X GOES INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
Buller X blazed onto the Australian freeride scene in September 2017 when 16 elite skiers and boarders from around the country took on the challenge of Mt Buller’s steep and treacherous chutes in a unique big mountain competition.
This year event organiser Tony Harrington intends to add an international flavour to the event inviting a handful of top-notch internationals to try their skills down under. The line up remains small and will be hand-picked with a total of 10 skiers and 10 boarders chosen to compete in the 2018 event with automatic entry given to the top two placed skiers and snowboarders from 2017.
Last year’s winners Coen Bennie-Faull and Nate Johnstone earned the distinction of filming with the acclaimed adventure and action production house Teton Gravity Research in the majestic Teton Range at Jackson Hole Wyoming. This year they defend their title along with second placegetters Australian snowboarder Ryan Tiene and skier Edward Casey.
“The one-day event is an incredible display of Australia’s rich freeride talent. Myself and the judging panel were blown away by the lines the athletes produced for the first ever Buller X, and we can’t wait to see what the athletes pull out for this year’s event,” said event founder and director Tony “Harro” Harrington.
As incomparable as it is challenging, Buller X only goes ahead if and when the conditions align for the athletes to ski and ride the steep, technical course. The Mt Buller Chutes are daunting, steep, narrow and unforgiving. It is only when good quality cover, sufficient snowpack and bluebird weather conditions all come together that the event gets the “green light” to be called on, similar to a big wave competition.
Launched in 2016, the event first had the green light from event organisers in 2017 thanks to solid snow falls during August and early September, breaking for a weather window of perfect spring conditions allowing the event to go ahead in mid-September.
The event saw over 21,000 people tune in via the website and social channels to watch the action live, along with a crowd of keen onlookers positioned across from the course on Family Run.
“If 2017’s event is anything to go by, 2018 is going to be epic. The response to Buller X has shown the thirst for an Australian based freeride event, and this year with the addition of international athletes, it’s an exciting chance to make Buller X an internationally recognised event. I am excited to showcase to the world the depth of big mountain freeriding talent and terrain we have down here in Australia.” Tony “Harro” Harrington said.
The event tests even the most skilled skiers and boarders to assess and ride technical and challenging terrain and showcase their big mountain smarts. It celebrates considered and careful riding as well as the splendour of skiers and boarders being present and respectful of the terrain they rid
The event is held on just one day with each competitor allowed two runs while being filmed and judged by a panel of international big mountain judges. In addition to on course judges there are international judges who view each line in detail as filmed by long lens cameras and drone providing carefully assessed scores.
International skiers and boarders can submit an application for consideration to compete by emailing ride@bullerx.com.au. The final line up of chosen athletes will be announced on the Buller X event website and social channels along with a fortnightly prize draw for our Buller X fans, thanks to generous event sponsors.
For your chance to go in the draw for a swag of great prizes from Rip Curl, Teton Gravity Research, Volkl skis, Giro eyewear and helmets, LIVE eyewear and more register on the Buller X site www.bullerX.com.au.
Who will be the 2018 Buller X champion?
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