Vermont teen Walker takes third at Burton High Fives

WANAKA, New Zealand (Aug. 17) – Fifteen-year-old, Stowe, Vermont native Ty Walker took third Friday at the season’s first snowboard slopestyle competition, the Burton High Fives at Snow Park, New Zealand.

The contest was set up in a jam-style format that allowed competitors to be scored on their best run out of four. Walker, who struggled with nagging injuries last season, was able to ride to the podium with her first in-competition backside 700 in a talent-stacked competition of invited riders, most of whom are five to eight years her senior.

“It was hard to get use to the course and being back on snow at first, but once I got warmed up I felt really comfortable,” said Walker. “I am so happy I got to do well, it was a tough field of riders and the competition was throwing down some good tricks, like switch 5’s and 7’s. I am so glad I came down for this event, this is a great way to start my season.”

Finland’s Enni Rukajarvi’s took the win with New Zealand’s Christy Prior in second.

Next up the Burton High Fives halfipe contest takes place August 18, followed by the FIS World Cup Aug. 25-26 at Cardrona, New Zealand.