There's a new spin on the big mountain Freeride competition at Squaw Valley in California USA this Saturday, March 19, 2011, thanks to new technology.
Helly Hansen's wildly successful 'Big Mountain Battle Powered By Flaik' (www.bigmountainbattle.com) returns to Squaw Valley USA for the third year – it was in fact due to have been staged earlier this winter due to heavy snowfall at the resort.
A favourite among local skiers, the event is similar to other big mountain contests in that it challenge teams of two to ski and snowboard a big-mountain course on Squaw Valley's famous terrain.
What makes it different from most is that the teams are tracked in real time by Flaik GPS devices as they hit virtual checkpoints, strategically placed across the mountain.
Winners will receive $2,000 worth of Helly Hansen gear, prizes from sponsors Thule, Powder and Dakine, and free entry to the final Battle in the Bowls in Aspen/Snowmass on March 27th. Second and third-place finishers will also be awarded an array of prizes from sponsors.
It costs $85 per team to enter but all entrants receive two Helly Hansen base layers valued at $45 each as well as a year-long subscription to Powder magazine.