Mount Baw Baw has continued to target the freestyle snowboard population with the 3rd annual Forum Battle at Baw Baw.

The competition was run in ideal conditions as 40 riders battled it out, some who had travelled from NSW, Falls Creek and Mt Buller for the event. The event attracted riders of the highest calibre, including Australia’s top rider Robbie Walker. “This rail jam has humble beginnings as a small park event with a few onlookers, but nowadays it adds another quality addition to the Australian Winter Events Calendar” says Mt Baw Baw CEO, Leona Turra.

The Baw Baw crew pulled an ‘all nighter’ in the lead up to the event to ensure that the new ‘surprise’ staircase feature was assembled and erected just in time for event kick-off. “Mt Baw Baw continues to demonstrate ongoing commitment to snowboarding and fun seeking events” said Ms Turra. “A night of snow making gave the whole park excellent coverage. This competition is all about the features, and spectators holding their breath as the riders pull tricks and flips in mid air”. The park DJ pumped out the tunes while the riders had 2 hours to session the staircase.

Trigger Bros rider Mitch Williams who won the Battle @ Baw Baw last year, was style consistent all day. However he was pipped at the post by Robbie Walker who took out first place. Mitch Williams says “This is becoming a great event and Baw Baw has turned it on yet again for all the riders … The atmosphere is so different from any other mountain and the new staircase is sick” said Mitch. Judges were Shane Carter from Burton Snowboards and Rick Baker, along with Ralph from Forum and Leona Turra, CEO of Mt Baw Baw. They had a tough job choosing between Robbie Walker, Mitch Williams, Chris Decampo (Trigger Bros), Matt Galina, Eacott, Alex Cordingley, but their final choice was pretty well on the money.

Great to see Baw Baw putting in the effort and riders supporting them.

More photo's over at popmag.com.au