The 8th Annual World Heli Challenge “Heli Bash 2002” is set for August 9th – August 17th in the stunning setting of Lake Wanaka New Zealand, redefining the term cutting edge in one of the world’s most spectacular sporting events, kicking off with the Firestarter Party at Lake Hawea Hotel and finishing with the “Insanity” Rave Party.

A new format incorporating the world’s first helicopter accessed Terrain Park will test the sheer acrobatic and “new school” excellence of over 50 skiers and snowboarders from all round the globe. The “Hel Jib” will see huge aerial jumps on natural terrain, whilst specially designed “Pro Rails”, “fun boxes” and vertical ramps add a new dimension to the event, all being helicoptered up to the mountain peak of Mt Roy.

There are enormous logistics involved of staging what is globally renowned as the “Apocalypse of snow sports competition”. Spectators are invited to fly up and join in on the excitement, fun and music. Free coaching by elite athletes of the renowned New Zealand Free Riding Company will be on hand to give pointers and tips for all to try, right next to the goings on of the action of the world’s best.

Arguably one of the worlds most adrenaline driven snow races, the legendary Chinese Downhill, also comes into the public viewing for the first time. 3,000 people will gather on the Queenstown Return run of Cardrona’s Alpine Resort to witness the fast and furious pace of this amazing event, being held in the back bowls off the top of Mount Cardrona. The speeds reached by the competitors of this race is phenomenal, with all competitors jockeying for the “hole shot” and glory of victory and qualification into the ESPN Winter X Games in North America this upcoming northern winter.

The 2001 event was the second most global televised sporting event held in New Zealand - coverage is now guaranteed by FOX for two years.

The alpine ski resorts of Treble Cone, Cardona and the brand new international training and event facility of Snow Park will host the Export Gold Super Sessions. These three events will display some of the finest “New School” techniques currently leading the sport and compliments perfectly the helicopter accessed competitions. The grande finale to the 10 day period is the Snow Park Invitational, where $10,000 in cold cash is up for grabs on Saturday 17th August.

The Wanaka Snowfest is held in conjunction with the “Heli Bash 2002” with a myriad of events and activities for all to be part of. The official prize giving of the helicopter accessed events will be held at the start of the Snowfest Parade in down town Wanaka on Friday evening August 16th around 6pm in front of many thousands of spectators.

Event schedules can be found on the world heli challenge website,

Mail this page to a friend
What do you think? Tell us in the Chat Room