Wanaka skier proud of win

Wānaka’s Craig Murray proudly accepts the first-place prize at the Inaugural Yeti Natural Selection Ski in Alaska’s backcountry. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Wānaka’s Craig Murray has won the inaugural Yeti Natural Selection Ski event, held in the Alaskan mountain ranges.

The Red Bull sponsored-competition took place on April 18 among the Tordrillo mountain range in Alaska.

Wanaka athlete and film producer Craig Murray took the first-place prize with pride as he displayed some trademark moves.

"I feel incredible. Today has been something out of a dream. This whole setup being out here in the Tordrillos is crazy ... I honestly can’t believe I ended up in the finals and ended up taking it out," he said.

The three winners of the Yeti Natural Selection Ski (from left) Sam Kush, Craig Murray and Marcus Eder.

Utilising a knockout format, over and over again Murray delivered his trademark huge, fluid lines for which he is so well-known and respected in the international ski community.

Murray continued to rise to the occasion in the final round with a precision-crafted run that earned him an 85 and ultimately, the win.

Attacking the face with a shockingly fast, smooth line, Murray strung together a series of stylish 360s and flips, lacing them seamlessly from top to bottom.

His composure under pressure and ability to flow through complex terrain with freestyle finesse exemplified the Natural Selection vision: freeride meets freestyle at its highest level.

Murray was joined on the podium by Sam Kush of Canada in second, who also competed in the final round alongside Murray. Italy’s Marcus Eder had the next highest score from his semifinals bracket and finished in third place overall.

— APL