23
Aug

The Countdown is On

As the countdown continues we caught up with a handful of this years contenders. Several Toyota One Hit Wonder Big Air alumni including the likes of Noah Morrison and Klaus Finne will be facing off against Australian natives Russ Henshaw and Riley Lucas. Although Russ took away the champions title on home soil in 2014, previous Nine Knights star Christof Schenk from Italy brings a strong game to this years line-up. 


It's no secret that these athletes are seasoned travelers, ascending to Thredbo Village from all over the globe. Norway, Canada, USA and in a first for this event Robby Franco will be flying the flag for Mexico. Their collective schedules over the past season reads like the "anybody whose somebody was there" of freeskiing from Winter X, Aspen Open, Dew Tour, Nine Knights and with a Winter Olympics around the corner expect to see some of these names headlining in South Korea.


Not only is the Toyota One Hit Wonder Big Air jump massive, its size is a rarity on the World Tour. “I'm really looking forward to the feeling of flying again this year. It isn't everyday we get to hit a kicker built to perfection like this. 'Open Klasse' in Norway has to be the only place I’ve hit a jump close to this size. I'm definitely excited.” - Klaus Finne, Norway.
 
The Thredbo Parks team are aiming for a 90+ foot build again this year, which can see athletes sending it up to 130 feet down the landing to the sweet spot. Numbers like that are sure to induce some nerves. “I get nervous every year the first time I have to drop in but as long as I trust my ability and get my speed right, it's usually nothing but fun from then on." - Noah Morrison, Canada. Morrison's skiing is on-point right now if his posts from New Zealand are anything to go by and is not a name to be taken lightly in the 2017 rendition.


Although among the invitees are a few rookies eager to step up to the big leagues. Canadian's Spencer Saltys, Adam Fiselier & Brayden Tritter along with Austrian Sam Baumgartner should all be viewed as threats to the aforementioned seasoned pro's. As the anticipation continues to build, keep an eye out for a detailed schedule of the week's festivities here on the official website due in the next day or two.


The 2017 Toyota One Hit Wonder returns to Thredbo Alpine Resort, Australia from the 5th-9th of September.