Wanaka skiers won two of the top four places in the North Face Freeski Open of New Zealand slopestyle competition yesterday.
Jossi Wells, who was the top qualifier, was just beaten by first-placegetter James ''Woodsy'' Woods, of the United Kingdom, in the event, which was held at Cardrona Alpine Resort.
Switzerland's Elias Ambuhl was third and another Wanaka athlete, Finn Bilous, who is only 15, was placed fourth in both the slopestyle and halfpipe events.
Just two athletes competed in the women's slopestyle event, which was held earlier in the five-day competition, American Keri Herman beating fellow countrywoman Jackie Kling.
The halfpipe men's competition was won by Taylor Seaton, of the United States, with Beau-James Wells, of Wanaka, second, Soshi Utagawa, of Japan, third and Bilous fourth.
Wanaka athlete Janina Kuzma won the women's halfpipe contest, with Ayana Ohozuka and Saori Suzuki, both of Japan, second and third respectively and Isabelle Hanssen, of the Netherlands, fourth.
The Freeski Open of New Zealand is the only freeski event to hold slopestyle, halfpipe and big mountain competitions.
The big mountain contest will take place at the Remarkables skifield in early September and, for the first time in the event's 11-year history, will also be open to snowboarders.
The competition provides an opportunity for athletes to gain AFP World Tour points and to practise their trick repertoire ahead of the International Ski Federation World Cup events being held later this month as part of the Audi Quattro Winter Games New Zealand.
