The World Heli Challenge in Aoraki is a pretty epic event in itself. The best freeriders from around the world converge on the backcountry peaks of Mt Cook to huck it down gnarly spines and icy couloirs.

This year is set to be even bigger and what’s more, anyone can enter for a chance to take part and scoop up a portion of the £32,000 prize fund. All you need is a rider and a mate to document your time there and you’ve got a chance of mixing it with the big boys.

Travis Rice won the event in 2010 amid poor snow conditions but he still described it as “total immersion” and sees the contest as a milestone for future developments in snowboarding.

This year it’s running from 7-15 September and a few days after, the iON Showcase Awards Night will present all the footage in a mini-film festival. Sweet.