Kick-Ass Blasters Tim Dutton, Jackie Paaso, Ralph Backstrom and Tim Konrad are on their way to Lake Wanaka, New Zealand for the World Heli Challenge. Stay tuned for photos, videos, trip reports and competition results from NZ. MEDIA RELEASE 20th May 2009:- The World Heli Challenge, the most exotic free ride and free ski event on the planet, debuts onto the international snow sports calendar this year August 29â?”September 12, 2009. Wanaka, New Zealand will play host to this legendary event, coming back on the scene due to the immense support from global media and already athletes are knocking down the door to claim their spot. The World Heli Challenge consists of 3 days of helicopter-accessed competition, staged over a two-week period to allow for perfect weather conditions. Athletes vie for top honours in Extreme, Free Ride and Downhill events and the coveted overall World Heli Challenge Champion. “The World Heli Challenge offers the athletes the best conditions of which to ultimately test their all round ability as a snow athlete. The unrivalled camaraderie among athletes, the two weeks of continuous adrenaline activities that the Wanaka region is renowned for and the incredible helicopter skills of Harvey Hutton and the Back Country Helicopter pilots make this event quite simply one of a kind” event organiser Tony Harrington exclaims. The event has secured substantial global media distribution across the platforms of TV, print and online media. The are only 50 spots available for athletes, divided into 18 male snowboarders, 18 male skiers, 7 female boarders and 7 female skiers. Kiwi sensation Jossie Wells had his first taste of international acclaim when he was a fore runner of this event at just 9 years old. This time he’s back as an athlete along with his prot!©g!© brother Byron – two of the hottest ski kids in the world making big waves. Confirmed athletes also include Australia’s Chris Booth, Andrea Berchtold, Charlie Timmins and Boen Ferguson and daily growing list.