Buller X: Australia Hosts Its First Freeride Ski and Snowboard Competition

Australia is definitely not the first place most think of when they dream of skiing gnarly big mountain lines, but yes, they do in fact exist in the land of ‘roos and surfing. The country’s ski areas have been home to a very core freeride community for years, but none have ever hosted a full-on freeride competition; the terrain is there, but the snow typically isn’t. This year, the snow gods finally blessed Australia’s Mt. Buller with enough snow and a solid weather window to host the nation’s first freeride ski and snowboard comp, the Buller X presented by Rip Curl.

Mt. Buller's competition face. Tony Harrington photo.

Described as “flat on the top, but sick on the sides,” Mt. Buller features some surprisingly sick terrain, including an amphitheater with steep chutes and cliffs - the perfect setting for a freeride comp. Just like any big face, conditions had to line up for a safe but fun snowpack, so after months of planning the event got the green light only a few days before it was held.

Coen Bennie-Faull explores the best lines the mountain has to offer. Tony Harrington photo.

Once all the snow had settled and the riding was over, Coen Bennie-Faull took home first place for ski and Nate Johnstone, the 2011 World Halfpipe Champion and a Sochi Olympian, won the snowboarding contest.

This upcoming winter, Bennie-Faull and Johnstone will travel to Jackson Hole to film with TGR in our backyard, exploring the best the Tetons have to offer.