Winds dash big air attempt

Swedish skiing star Jon Olsson launches from a massive custom-built "kicker" at Treble Cone on...
Swedish skiing star Jon Olsson launches from a massive custom-built "kicker" at Treble Cone on Sunday. Photo by Paul Warner.
Blustery winds blew away Swedish skiing star Jon Olsson's attempt at a world-first big air trick at Treble Cone skifield on Sunday, but the freeskier hopes to return next year for another attempt.

Olsson had hoped to land the first-ever "triple cork 1440", a three times invert somersault combined with three full 360deg spins, but the stormy weather which hit the South Island during the weekend dashed his plans.

The Monaco-based skier built a 10m-high jump above Treble Cone's Saddle Basin for his big air attempt and while he was unable to try for the triple cork, his efforts drew a crowd of skifield spectators.

"I thought we had no chance of jumping [on Sunday] as the wind was hauling," he wrote in his blog.

His first attempt at clearing the huge "step-up" jump was almost too successful, as he soared past the landing area he was aiming for.

"I think the wind made me misjudge the speed as I went more than 20m past my planned landing spot."

The nine-times Winter X-Games medallist was unhurt despite an awkward landing and returned to the top of the hill for several more attempts, landing a scaled down "cork 360" version of his planned trick before the high winds returned.

Olsson said he would be back next winter to try again and praised the Treble Cone scenery.

"This place has the best background in the world."

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