WORLD HELI CHALLENGE – Nat Segal on the Ladies of the WHC
Nat Segal shredding the Extreme Day venue Image:: Tommy Pyatt
World Heli Challenge | Nat Segal
Having just completed my first World Heli Challenge I’m feeling a lot of emotions. I’m stoked at having the chance to compete in such an extraordinary event, overwhelmed by the last two weeks of adrenaline, and fairly tired after busting out dance moves all night at the after party.
Altogether there were 39 competitors and 11 girls from 8 different countries. The high intensity of the competition days, which saw over 100 people shuttled in and out of the backcountry in 3 helicopters, would have been a logistical nightmare for most event organisers. But Tony Harrington and the WHC crew have been perfecting this operation since the event’s inception back in 1995.
The World Heli Challenge stands out as an event because it’s not about winning; it’s about making friends, skiing in sick locations, riding in helicopters, being followed by cameras like a rock-star and having two kick-ass days out in the mountains. It’s all for the experience. I have found that it is the other girls involved who make it count and this year it couldn’t have been a better line-up. There were chicks such as Janina Kuzma who just finished her season in 3rd place Overall at the FWT; Iris Lazz who came 2nd Overall in the 2011 North Face Masters; Callan C.S, who took silver at the X-Games Bordercross 2011 and grew up riding in her backyard in Alaska- learning how to shred pow before any type of race technique came into the picture; and others such as Victoria Beattie, who is not only a previous park slayer but now a judge and competitor at international big mountain events. We were there, shredding the venues, dancing in car parks, screaming in the helicopters and hollering as we watched each other compete.
Maria Kuzma making her mark on Mt Albert Image:: Tommy Pyatt
All the girls were thrilled to be involved in The World Heli Challenge but it came at a cost, that is a $2K+ NZD entry fee. Was it worth it? Personally I think the worth of this event is all about the expectations you went in with. All my expectations were blown out of the water and are now drying up somewhere as sheep feed. It was epic. We had a lot less time than most comps to inspect and build features but the snow was soft and the landings ample.
This competition is first and foremost a media event, it’s one of the many great reasons to be involved as there is always someone close at hand, recording your experience. With so much coverage on the hill you can understand why our expectations were shattered and disappointed with the way in which the female athletes were overlooked in the media that was produced from this event. There was not one photo of a girl in action included in the 100+ photos sent out to the world’s media with the press releases from the two days of competition. To put this in perspective, these photos were the only information that represent what went down on the hill. So in terms of worth, if there were no photos, we might as well have not been there. We don’t ski for cameras, but they sure are helpful if you’re trying to build up a ski career. After such a great experience, it’s not easy to bring up these issues but it’s important because exposure for female athletes is integral to the progression and involvement of women in this sport.
Meet the ladies from the World Heli Challenge 2011
The best part was meeting these amazing ladies. In competitions it is the other girls who really challenge you. I was so stoked to shred and hang out with all the girls who were involved in The World Heli Challenge 2011 and I only thought it was fair to share the fun.
Here’s a recap of all the ladies, what they did and what they thought about it:
Vanessa Aadland
Born in Seattle, Vanessa grew up skiing in the mountains of Washington State. She moved to Utah 4 years ago and ever since then she has been shredding Little Cottonwood Canyon and is well known for jumping off big things without thinking twice. This year she placed in the top 10 in several of the Freeskiing World Tour events.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
The best part of this comp was meeting enthusiastic, talented skiers/riders from all over the world and watching everyone throw down!
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
The conditions were awesome and the stoke was high after being dropped off in a heli on a intense ridge with spectacular views.
What is something you would change about this event?
I would make it so everyone has to give each other a hug at the end of their run.
And anything else you want to add…….
I feel lucky to have been involved in this comp! I had good times and hard times but over all it was a good learning experience.
Victoria Beattie Image:: Harro
Straight out of the dirty south, also known as Tasmania, Victoria started her skiing career as a park rat. She travelled as a ski bum and podiumed at international slopestyle events until 2006 when she broke her back at the Jon Olsen Invitational Big Air and then later ripped her knee apart which has taken until now to heal. Since then Victoria has been in the judges seat for both park and big mountain events. This year she also took out some top 10 results in the Freeride World Tour including 6th at the La Clusaz Radikal Mountain.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
The crew of people that are involved and the camaraderie that has formed from doing something as incredible as flying around en-masse in helicopters in the mountains!!!
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
Sadly the skiing wasn’t to be for me as I was purely in survival mode on a knee that days before the event started I could barely walk on. I was skiing extremely conservatively to make it from Day 1 to Day 2, to get through this event without getting hurt and being able to ski the rest of the season! But I had a feeling we might try to fly up to Mt Albert this year, and that is one face in New Zealand I have wanted to stand on top of ever since I first saw pictures of it. So to get up there and ski that face in those conditions was a dream come true! Its just a shame I didn’t ski it harder – but I will definitely be going back up there again!
Would you be involved again, why/why not?
It has lived up to all my expectations, been an incredible experience and great fun, and I would love to be a part of this event forever! But the cost of entry is enormous, and really hard to justify. So that would be the biggest thing holding me back from participating again in the future.
Torie Hamilton-Wilson Image:: Harro
Born and bred in the Victorian Alps, Torie grew up in Melbourne and spent her winters at Mt Buller, racing as a kid, competing internationally and later on dominating the park all over Australia. The World Heli Challenge was Torie’s first international big mountain competition.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
The Heli Challenge has been one of the most amazing skiing experiences I have had to date. I have gained so much knowledge in the space of two days of competing being surrounded by a group of incredible skiers who have so much passion for the sport. Their knowledge, talent and skill helped me to compete to the best of my ability. The terrain and fresh snow was incredible. High peaks, rocky drops and sweet powder lines shot adrenaline through my body that I definitely want to experience again! Words cannot describe it
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
It’s not only the competition runs, but all the other times we have with the new friends we have made here. People from all over the world; surfing, golfing, skydiving and jumping into freezing cold lakes after a hard day of heli skiing gave the event another element that no other competition is able to offer. Everyone is here for the same reason but all have a relaxed and friendly attitude about it all that makes the nerves in competition day go away.
And anything else you want to add…
Jumping on a barge with a bus and a few helicopters and heading out to the middle of Lake Wanaka in the early hours of the morning was an interesting start to a day. The venue for the Extreme Day had some gnarly terrain. That is one day I will never forget. The amount of adrenaline I had dropping into my first run lasted all day, spreading the excitement. So far I have had an amazing time here with all the athletes and crew. It couldn’t have been any better the way things have been run!
Callan Chythlook-Sifsof
Callan was raised in rural Alaska, 500 miles away from the nearest chairlift in one of the most remote areas in North America. Callan spends her year training with the U.S Bordercross Team and traveling to Big Mountain events such as the The North Face Masters of Snowboarding. Some of her results this year include Silver at X-Games in Bordercross and 2nd at TNF Masters, Kirkwood. She also took out the Young Gun award which awards raw talent and innovation.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
The best part of being in this comp is the camaraderie and how stoked people are to be here. The vibe you get being here rubs off onto everyone and really makes the experience so special. There isn’t an event like this where so much is packed into the experience, its much more than just a competition.
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
The snow was so much better than last year, I was stoked to ride pow both comp days. The extreme day was probably the highlight and run two rocked my world. There were a lot of options up there which was sweet, I wish we could have spent all day exploring the venue.
What is something you would change about this event?
I think maybe it would be good to separate out the freestyle aspect and the extreme aspect a little more… maybe having more emphasis on the extreme rather than half and half. Or making it two different events… just one persons opinion though.
Would you be involved again, why/why not?
I would come back in a heartbeat, I love this event and love being in this beautiful country!
Iris Lazz
A resident of North Lake Tahoe and a Squaw Valley local, Iris is known in both the jib and big mountain scene. Iris started off her career in the park, winning both the Nikita Chikita and Hot Dog and Handrails. She has been competing on the The North Face Masters of Snowboarding for the past 3 years and has dominated this year taking 1st at Crystal Mountain and Kirkwood and 2nd overall. She also took out 2nd place at King of The Hill 2011.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
The best part of being involved in this comp is for sure meeting new people and sharing the experience with people you already know. For this particular year we had good snowpack, so it made it really fun riding good snow but that’s not always a guarantee; show up and know you have some buddies that are doing the comp too then you know you’ll have something to share forever.
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
The venues were sick and I really think they had enough features for everyone to choose something they love to ride, I know I really enjoyed my runs. My runs were average but I definitely had a couple features that shined, I could’ve rode better but its hard coming straight out of summer and no matter what I always feel like I could’ve done something better.
What is something you would change about this event?
Honestly, I probably wouldn’t be involved again unless a lot changed logistically. Yet, riding with all these women pushing their level has been such a treat, that alone I wish I could do again.
And anything else you want to add…
This being my 3rd trip to the county but my first Heli Challenge, my impression of New Zealand is “no worries”, do what makes you “froth” and chill out! There’s so much to do here and its the kiwi way to get after it all! I got to go skydiving while I was here and some hikes, and it was all amazing and I felt like a local doing it!
Abby Lockhart
A Wanaka local, Abby started snowboarding when she was younger but did not start her competitive career until later on when she moved to Wanaka and took up post at Snow Park. Abby is renowned for her style in the air. She competes mainly in slopestyle and she can be found traveling between NZ and Canada, to shoot in the backcountry. Photos of her shredding have been published in local and international magazines.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
The best part of the comp was the vibe didn’t feel like a comp just fun times with old and new friends
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
My runs were fun, I feel like I will always appreciate my practice runs in other events now! It’s awesome to just have to drop in and try and ride your best, it’s a lot more challenging than I expected. I felt like I could have done better than I did but I made the most of it at the time so I guess that is all I can ask of myself.
What is something you would change about this event?
The prizes could be a bit more inviting I’m sure if there was a little something up for grabs more athletes would partake and also push themselves harder to win the event! It is just a fun experience I felt no pressure of competing so thats pretty cool. I guess it’s unique and different to anything I have ever done!
Would you be involved again, why/why not?
I would love to be involved again its was so fun! Getting to ride new mountains good snow and in the choppers what a rush! I did a fundraiser for my entry fee which was a lot of work for 2 days of competing. I committed 7 days to getting the money together and I was so grateful to everyone who brought raffle tickets and supported me! I don’t think I will do another fundraiser next year I hope to get some good feed back and coverage out of it so I don’t have to and my sponsors can come to the party!!
And anything else you want to add…
Just again a HUGE thank you to my sponsors for the product I used in my raffle and everyone who supported me I really appreciate it!! Thanks to Harro and everyone organizing the event you guys did a great job and thanks to the chopper pilots for the sweeeet rides good times all round!!
Ratty Sheidow
Ratty Sheidow hails from South Australia and is a local at Australia’s Mt Buller. With almost 30 winters behind her and 4 winters of competing in Big Mountain events she knows her stuff! Ratty has competed in several of the leading freeride tours including The North Face Masters of Snowboarding, The Freeride World Tour and the King of the Hill. She has taken out podiums at many of these events including 3rd at King of the Hill 2011 and 3rd at TNF, Alyeska 2008.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
Having the opportunity to breathe it all in…the incredible scenery, the buzz of the helicopters, riding a barge, the excitement of riding such great terrain…the list goes on and on but the feeling of being here with such talented riders and skiers in such an awesome playground is something to feel pretty blessed about!
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
I had the opportunity to ride some great snow over the 2 days and some really fun and challenging venues. What was the best to me was that I got to return to Mt Albert after 2 years and ride the run hat I have dreamt of riding since I last saw it…stoked!
What is something you would change about this event?
Nothing really,it is pretty much perfect and a dream trip.
Would you be involved again, why/why not?
In a heartbeat…this is my 3rd heli challenge and hopefully not my last. From the minute that it is over every year I count down the days until the next one.
And anything else you want to add…….
The camaraderie between the competitors at this event is like nothing you could imagine. We are all here as competitors, but competitiveness is replaced here by the most incredible camaraderie, friendship and all round stoke for we are a part of one of the best events in our sport on the planet.
Shannan Yates-Cochrane Image:: Petri Minotas
Fresh out of Salt Lake City, Shannan is well known on the North Face Masters Tour as not only was she Overall Champion in 2010 but she also won every stop of the 2010 series. In 2010 she also came 2nd Overall on the Freeride Tour and placed 3rd at King of the Hill. Shannan is a gutsy rider, she is not afraid to take things fast or furious, I guess that’s what happens when you ride Utah pow for 17 seasons.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
I would have to say the best parts of participating in this event would be the other competitors, access to amazing terrain, and exploring a beautiful country.
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
My runs were tons of fun! I got to test my skills at freestyle, which I don’t dabble in all that often and I felt I did pretty well. On the extreme day I was very excited to get on the terrain and great snow. I feel that I picked great lines and I rode solidly.
What is something you would change about this event?
I know that all the people in the event work very hard towards putting on a good event, but it is a work in progress. Many things could be done better or more efficiently but hopefully if the event continues it will improve over time.
Would you be involved again, why/why not?
I would love to come back! This event has tonnes of promise, but the bugs need to be worked out. Financially it is difficult but hopefully in the future bigger sponsors could equal a smaller entry fee and prize money.
Nat Segal Image:: Harro
I’m from Australia and my home mountain is Mt Buller. I did my first big mountain competition about 2 years ago, here in New Zealand and since then I have never looked back. I have competed in Freeride World Qualifiers and the Freeskiing World Tour, building up my experience and doing my best to shred hard in any competition I enter. I took out 6th at the US Extreme Championships this year, which is a result I plan to build on.
What was the best part of being involved in this comp?
Skiing. But mainly skiing with new friends and fun people and having no pressure to perform. You do it only for the thrill- almost the same as riding in helicopters.
Tell us about your competition runs and the experience of being a competitor in this event?
It was insane, from 8am until about 4pm on the competition days you were constantly filled with adrenaline, from the chopper rider, to staring at the venue and then finally dropping in. By the time I made it to bed I was still shaking. I was stoked with my competition runs, especially on the Extreme Day, I skied the venue totally differently than I would have 6 months ago, so it was awesome to see some progression, even if it did end in some close-to-ground aerial maneuvers.
What is something you would change about this event?
A tricky question because I love the event and the ideas behind, that’s why I am here. But like any big idea, things don’t always go to plan, especially when 100 people and helicopters are involved. I would love to see a bigger focus on the girls, especially in the photography side and I would love to come and compete without having to raise the entry fee.
Would you be involved again, why/why not?
Yes, I would, with all practicalities aside, I would love to be involved as this event is more than just a competition and that’s what makes it so special.
Anything else you want to add…
Thank-you Liberty Skis Australia for helping me to raise the funds to enter this comp and all my sponsors for being so supportive. I am so happy that I was able to be involved and it is only because of everyone who bought raffle tickets that I was able to do it. THANK-YOU!
