Helly Hansen

 Lake Wanaka, New Zealand - The Volkl NZ Freeski Open by the Royal NZ Air Force came to a spectacular close at Treble Cone ski area today with New Zealanders Alastair Eason of Dunedin and Wanaka's own Janina Kuzma crowned champions of The Big Mountain Event.

Kuzma’s run, in which she scored 80 out of a possible 100 points, featured spectacular cliff drops that most of the other women weren’t attempting. Fifteen year-old Mikayla Austin skied beyond her years into second place, and Lorraine Huber took third.

“So stoked to win again," Kuzma said. "In the morning the snow was super firm, but the sun was shining and the weather was fantastic."

Head Judge Jim Jack, President of the International Freeski Association traveled to New Zealand especially to judge the event.

“I have a huge amount of respect for the competitors. They shied away from nothing, kept their composure and showed fantastic technical skiing,” said Jack. “I’d sure hate to be a girl on the tour right now competing against the female athletes you have coming out of New Zealand!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJHV3SQpnSA

This past weekend of September 13 and 14 marked 2 great events, the Greatest Staff Shabang Ever and MSP's newest film CLAIM, "The Greatest Ski Movie Ever!" The Shabang was all about bringing our 2 offices (Canadian and US) together to party down, enjoy the outdoors and to be a part of MSP's World Premiere. Staff started to show up on Saturday and all they had to do was check in and get ready for the party at our Helly store at the Westin Hotel.

This party went off with an open bar, amazing food from Behind the Grind, 2 DJ's, included the who's who of Helly Hansen staff and a ton of VIP's starting with our athletes Shin Campos, James Heim, Hugo Harrison and Eric Hjorleifson. We were also in the presence of greatness with the following " MSP Staff/film crew, Powder Magazines Kevin Back, Ryan Proctor of Whistler Blackcomb, Gabe Schroder of Smith Optics, Melissa Bernet from Subaru and photographers Blake Jorgenson and Ian Coble.

Sunday was all getting our staff out and having fun. Most got out for a hike at the top of Whistler mountain while other hit the bike park, went for a cross country ride or hit the golf course. At 4:30 we all met at Whistler Bungee to launch ourselves off of a bridge. Unbelievable fun had by all, even a few we had to talk into.

After we were all jacked up on adrenalin it was time to go and watch CLAIM. We didn't want to just show up there as individuals, we needed to go as a group that was there to support the relationship between Helly and MSP so we thought what better way to do this than wearing neon shirts. We had no problem finding others in our group once we arrived to the show, we stood out like a fart in church. (Thanks to Brian Leslie for that one)

The premiere was oversold with a crowd of almost 1700 and everyone was stoked after watching CLAIM to get this winter season started. All in all it was an awesome weekend for all of us here at Helly that attended and this has the making of being an annual event. If MSP is showing CLAIM in your area get out and see it, don't miss it, you definitely won't be disappointed!

See below for MSP's News Release;

WORLD PREMIERE OF CLAIM IS A STANDING-ROOM-ONLY SUCCESS

New high-definition ski film from MSP Films sells out Telus Conference Centre

September 15, Whistler, BC MSP Films debut of CLAIM, The Greatest Ski Movie EVER! brought in a sold out show at the Telus Centre Sunday night. Star athletes from the film including Mark Abma, Eric Hjorliefson, Sean Pettit, Ingrid Backstrom, Rory Bushfield, James Heim, Chris Rubens, and Hugo Harrisson made it out to sign posters and join in on the festivities.

Tonight was a huge success, says Steve Winter, founder of MSP Films. We were excited to see the response to CLAIM with more laughs from the crowd and even some claims coming from the audience during the premiere. Everyone understood what we were shooting for: a lighthearted return to having fun and the roots of skiing.

Highlights from the film include MSPs deepest powder segment to date from Monashee Powder Snowcats, Antoine Montants speed riding in the French Alps, 15-year-old Sean Pettits breakout segment, and the return of Shane McConkeys alter-ego, Saucer Boy.

CLAIM is filmed in high-definition on location in Whistler, Chamonix, Courmayeur, Valdez, Aspen, Chatter Creek, and additional destinations worldwide. The MSP Movie Tour rolls on and is headed to over 100 locations across the globe this fall, featuring athlete appearances, poster signings, after parties, live entertainment, and more. Please visit www.skimovie.com/tour to find out when CLAIM will be at a location near you.
Matchstick Productions would like to thank all of their sponsors for their continued support: Whistler/Blackcomb, Helly Hansen, Subaru, Rush HD, Red Bull, Salomon, Powder Magazine, Volkl, and SBC Skier Magazine. Additional thanks go out to local partners the Adara Hotel, Nita Lake Lodge, Tantalus Lodge, and Mountain Life Magazine.

ABOUT MATCHSTICK PRODUCTIONS:
Matchstick Productions is the leader in action sport filmmaking. The team at MSP works with the best athletes in the world in the most exotic locations in order to capture compelling images in action sports. Their ultra progressive camera techniques, editing, and production value have earned them many prestigious awards, including 2007 and 2008 Emmy nominations for outstanding cinematography. For more information about Matchstick Productions, please visit WWW.SKIMOVIE.COM