Crashes at Cardrona. NZ Open tomorrow.
After a disappointing result at the World Cup at Cardrona Resort, Aaron Blunck is at it again, this time at the North Face Freeski Open of New Zealand. New Zealand’s biggest freeskiing event kicks off tomorrow, where Blunck is competing in slopestyle as well as halfpipe (his primary discipline).
Sunset on Lake Wanaka
“Yeah the World Cup qualifier was a bummer. I had a pretty big fall in the pipe practicing the day before, hurting my hip flexor and bruising my heel. After a poor first run, I decided to change up my run and went for a 1080. I ended up landing in a reverse pizza and smacked my head.” Aaron’s next chance at Olympic qualifying will be at the Park City Grand Prix next December.
Since Cardrona, Aaron has been hanging around Wanaka, trying to find a balance between resting his body while training for the NZ Open. After a couple days rest (including a jet boat tour around Lake Wanaka), Blunck got back after it. “I ended up learning how to double cork 1260 in the pipe. I’ve also been doing a little slope style skiing to get ready for that event as well.”
Footage of Blunck’s first dub 1260
At Snowpark, Blunck is going up against some of the biggest names in the sport, including Jossi Wells, Tanner Hall, and Bobby Brown. “I’m definitely hoping for some better results at this comp. However, I can’t forget to remember how lucky I am and enjoy myself while I’m down here. I ski my best when I’m having fun anyway.”
NZ Freeski Open Schedule
8/29 – Slopestyle Qualifier
8/30 – Halfpipe Qualifer
8/31 – Slopestyle Qualifer
9/1 – Halfpipe Finals
9/2 – Weather Day
9/3 – 9/8 – Big Mountain Qualifier and Finals
To learn more about the NZ Open, visit their website http://nzfreeskiopen.com/.
