World Heli Challenge Organisers Launch World Heli Challenge Academy (26-May-11)

Organisers of the World Heli Challenge today announced...

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (26 May 2011) - Organisers of the World Heli Challenge today announced the launch of a groundbreaking program, the World Heli Challenge Academy, a unique training camp for skiers and snowboarders from around the world.  

The World Heli Challenge Academy programs will be held over seven days in some of the finest skiing destinations, providing unparalleled settings for learning (including one day of helicopter backcountry skiing /boarding), access to a stellar cast of international pro-athletes, a challenging mix of terrain and a diverse cultural experience for participants, their families and friends.

The inaugural World Heli Challenge Academy will be held at Treble Cone in Wanaka, New Zealand from July 18-24, prior to the 2011 World Heli Challenge which begins 27 July.

World Heli Challenge founder Tony Harrington (Harro) explains the genesis of the Academy, “The World Heli Challenge has long been a beacon for big mountain athletes and we are seeing more people wanting to follow their heroes into the world of big mountain skiing and snowboarding. The World Heli Challenge Academy creates a pathway, especially for young people, to learn from the best, to develop respect and understanding for the alpine environment and to harness the skills vital to survival in the big mountains of the world.”

The curriculum offered by the Academy spans topics such as mountain safety and awareness, backcountry skills, avalanche preparedness, helicopter safety, big mountain skiing and snowboarding technique as well as instruction in alpine environment, health and fitness, personal development and promotion in the snow sports industry.

Additional course areas that further round out the diverse program include multi-media skills, sponsorship and media awareness and personal leadership.

World Heli Challenge athlete and Academy mentor Chris Booth is just one of many internationally regarded athletes contributing to the World Heli Challenge Academy.

“Big mountain skiing requires three specific things: access, experience and awareness. It has taken me over 10 years to acquire the skills necessary to be competitive in big mountain environments. Experiencing world class mountain environments in the company of the sport’s elite will not only allow the transfer of this knowledge to young athletes, but will accelerate their physical ability, self-awareness and maturity in a way that I could only have dreamt about when I was that age. It will be life-changing for these kids, I am very excited to be a part of this ground-breaking program,” said Booth. The Academy programs are available for both juniors and adults.

Junior Program

Open to experienced and confident skiers/snowboarders, aged 12 to 17, with a drive to
learn and progress their skills to a whole new level.

Applicants will be selected across a wide-range of criteria. Competition for the coveted
Academy places is expected to be strong.

Adult Program

Experienced and confident skiers and snowboarders in good physical health will love the
unique challenges and learning opportunities offered at the Academy. The Academy
team will tailor programs to suit participants and their skill levels and objectives.

Adult programs are ideally suited to parents with children enrolled in the Junior Academy
who wish to develop similar skills and understanding alongside their child.

In addition to the Academy at Treble Cone, further programs are already being planned
at Mt Buller (Australia), Jackson Hole (Wyoming, USA), Cordova (Alaska, USA) and
Chamonix (France).

Those seeking more information or who would like to apply for the inaugural academy
can log on to www.worldhelichallenge.com/academy.