Set for July 27 through August 11, the World Heli Challenge will take place in a backcountry setting near Wanaka, New Zealand. With athletes traveling from all over the world to participate, including Ane Enderund from Norway and U.S freeskier Ted Davenport, all the event needs is snow. Thankfully, the Wanaka area just received the first major snowfall of the season.

This year the event was opened up to a non-pro division, allowing more athletes to participate. "I've been here in New Zealand for a month and haven’t skied once,” said Salt Lake City based freeskier Vanessa Aadland, who is living in New Zealand for the season and raising money to enter the competition as a non-pro. “It's been a project staying occupied by going on runs, exploring Wanaka, and jumping on the trampolines, but I'll be honest, I'm ready to click into my skis now."

For information on the event, visit the World Heli Challenge site.