The Snow League is heading to Cardrona this September for the inaugural Snow League World Challenge, a first-of-its-kind international team event featuring top halfpipe snowboarders from around the world.
There’s plenty going on here, bear with us…
Season Two kicks off with 16 athletes across four teams – Team North America, Team Europe, Team Asia-Pacific, and Team Challengers – each with one male and one female snowboarder (plus freeski athletes). Teams go head-to-head in a fast-paced format, with creative semifinal rounds capped at 720s before finals open to full progression.
Here’s the snowboard line up:
- Team North America: Brooke D’Hondt (CAN), Jake Pates (USA)
- Team Europe: Queralt Castellet (ESP), Jonas Hasler (SUI)
- Team Asia-Pacific: Gaon Choi (KOR), Cam Melville Ives (NZL)
- Team Challengers: Sara Shimizu (JPN), Ryusei Yamada (JPN)
Competition kicks off Thursday, September 17 with the Teamwork Challenge at Treble Cone, Wānaka – an athlete-led content challenge judged by a fan vote that sets the bracket for Saturday. The main event hits Cardrona’s 22-foot halfpipe on Saturday, September 19, followed by an awards ceremony and apres celebration.
The main event streams live on The Snow League’s YouTube channel Saturday, September 19 from 9:30am NZST.
Schedule Breakdown:
Thursday, Sept. 17 — Wānaka, Treble Cone
Teamwork Challenge – athlete-led content challenge, self-shot footage, judged that evening at a draw ceremony at Rippon Vineyard. Winning team gets a strategic edge heading into Saturday.
Friday, Sept. 18 — Cardrona Alpine Resort
9:00am–12:00pm: Open athlete halfpipe practice
1:00pm–3:30pm: Mini-Pipe Challenge w/ Shaun White + Snow League athletes + local young riders
Saturday, Sept. 19 — Cardrona Alpine Resort
9:30am–1:30pm: Snow League World Challenge (main event, 22-ft halfpipe)
2:00pm–4:00pm: Awards Ceremony & Apres Set — Base Area Plaza
Watch live on YouTube — Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9:30am NZST
