Competitors at the 2010 World Heli Challenge in New Zealand last week woke up to a heavy inversion and there was no question about whether the Extreme Day would run. Bound and determined to make the day a success, event founder Tony Harrington and technical director, Nick Mills, headed out in a helicopter through breaking cloud to assess the situation. Breaking through the cloud they found the perfect venue for the day’s contest and in the end it was an epic day in the mountains. Highlights included Quiksilver team rider Travis Ride wowing judges with a crazy line and a near disaster when Ted Davenport set off a class two avalanche that he managed to ski out of. Rice rode out in style locking in title for Men’s Overall Snowboarder.

The winners in each category get free entry to the 2011 World Heli Challenge. Snowboarders also get free entry to King of the Hill event in Alaska while Skiers receive the same for the return of the World Extreme Skiing Championships, also in Alaska. Rice is currently the reigning champ for King of The hill 2009. Congratulations to Travis Rice!