Organizers of the Freeski Open of New Zealand announced that The North Face have stepped up and signed on as title sponsor of the event, scheduled this year from Sept. 1 to 18.  Founding and former title sponsor, Volkl International, remain on board as presenting sponsor of the event.

“Were stoked to be taking the lead sponsorship position.  The event is a perfect fit for the brand,” said Stephen Winnacott, Marketing Manager for The North Face.  “The event has incredible potential for growth.  With the great work of the event organizers, our support and that of the athletes, we plan to take this event to another level, placing it alongside world class freeskiing events in the northern hemisphere.”

Establishing itself as the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and attracting athletes from across the globe, the The North Face Freeski Open of New Zealand is recognized on the international freeski World Tour alongside the world’s biggest freeski events.

“A goal of Freeskiing NZ has always been to provide a proving ground for our athletes against the best in world in our own backyard,” said Freeskiing NZ’s Hamish Acland. “We also recognize that in providing an event such as The North Face Freeski Open, we have the ability to promote New Zealand to the world as a premier training and competition destination.”

The seventh annual North Face Freeski Open, covers three major freeski disciplines: slopestyle, halfpipe and big mountain. This year the slopestyle and halfpipe events will be held at Snow Park.