By Shaun Summerfield
Sixty of the world's top snowboarders are taking on a uniquely Kiwi challenge this week.
As well as boarding, the slope stars also compete in skeet shooting, snow driving and knife-throwing.
Several Olympics and X-Games gold medallists have hit Wanaka's Snow Park this week, but this year's competition just got a whole lot harder.
The Burton Open has become the High Fives, a multi-sport event that sees riders doing everything from clay target shooting to driving an off-road racer.
The 60 riders are divided into 12 teams, with each rider nominated to take on one of the tests.
"This is all about getting the riders out of their comfort zone," says Kiwi rider Shelly Gotlieb. "In fact, the Mini Challenge is the only other snow-based event. And even this is a change for snow boarders, because there are no points for style."
Prize money is on offer for the teams challenge and the individual half pipe and slope style competitions.
The snowboard finals will be held Friday and Saturday. Until then, riders will shoot and race for team points.
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