MOFO-risk-declaration

Mt Olympus Freeride Open (MOFO) 2026
Acknowledgement of Risk & Participant Declaration

Windwhistle Winter Sports Club Inc. (WWSC), trading as Mt Olympus Ski Club, 1220 Harper Road, Lake Coleridge · Event window: 14–16 September 2026

Open to competitors aged 16 and over. Competitors aged 35 or over on the relevant competition date may enter the Masters division. Competitors under 18 on the day of competition must have a parent or legal guardian complete section 8.

1. Nature of the event and its risks

The Mt Olympus Freeride Open is a competitive freeride skiing and snowboarding event held on steep, ungroomed, natural alpine terrain. Competitors choose and ride their own lines, which may include cliffs, rock bands and drops, chutes, variable and unstable snow, and exposed alpine features. I understand and acknowledge that the risks of this event are significantly greater than ordinary recreational skiing or snowboarding, and include (without limitation):

  • falls, collisions with terrain, rocks, other people or equipment;
  • avalanche, ice fall, rock fall and changing snow, weather and visibility conditions;
  • hazards of rope tow use and travel within a remote, undeveloped ski area;
  • the remote location of Mt Olympus, meaning medical assistance, rescue and evacuation (including by helicopter) may be delayed and may occur in difficult conditions;
  • serious harm including broken bones, head and spinal injuries, permanent disability (including paralysis), and death.

I acknowledge that these risks cannot be eliminated by the organisers, that competing is entirely voluntary, and that my choice of line and how I ride it is my own decision and responsibility.

2. Declaration of competence, fitness and preparation

  1. I am aged 16 or over and have given my date of birth on the registration form. If I am under 18, my parent or legal guardian has completed section 8.
  2. I am an advanced skier or snowboarder, experienced on steep, ungroomed alpine terrain, and I am capable of safely riding the competition venue.
  3. I am physically fit to compete, and I have disclosed on my registration form any medical conditions, allergies or medications relevant to my safety or to my treatment in an emergency.
  4. I will not compete while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication.
  5. I will inspect the venue during the official inspection, will attend the compulsory riders’ briefing, and will not ride features I do not consider within my ability.
  6. My equipment is in good condition and suitable for the event. I will wear an approved helmet and back protector at all times while competing (mandatory), and will carry a functioning avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. My transceiver will be worn correctly, switched on, and presented for the event equipment check. I understand that if I do not have the required equipment, or it does not pass inspection, I will not be cleared to start.

3. Following directions

I will follow all reasonable directions of WWSC staff, ski patrol, event officials and the event doctor, including any decision to postpone, modify or cancel the event, close terrain, or withdraw me from competition. I understand the organisers may refuse to allow me to start, without refund, if they reasonably consider I am unfit, unprepared or unsafe to compete.

4. Insurance, ACC and costs

  1. I understand that ACC covers everyone injured in New Zealand — residents and visitors alike — for treatment of accidental injury received while in New Zealand, and that because of this I generally cannot sue for personal injury in New Zealand.
  2. I understand ACC does not cover repatriation or medical evacuation to my home country, treatment or rehabilitation once I leave New Zealand, or loss of earnings from employment outside New Zealand. If I am visiting from overseas, I confirm I hold travel/medical insurance covering competitive freeride events, including these costs.
  3. I understand I may be responsible for costs not covered by ACC or my insurance, including damage to my own equipment and property.

5. Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, I release WWSC, its committee, members, employees, volunteers, event partners, sponsors and contractors from liability for any loss, damage to property, or costs I suffer arising out of my participation in the event, except to the extent caused by their reckless conduct or as cannot be excluded by law. Nothing in this form excludes or limits any duty owed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 or any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

6. Media

Media use is by consent. On the registration form you will be asked separately whether you consent to each of the following. Your answers, not this document, govern how your image and details may be used, and none of these consents affects your entry.

  • being photographed and filmed during MOFO;
  • Mt Olympus using event photographs and video for future promotion;
  • your supplied profile photograph being used for commentary, competitor profiles and promotional material;
  • Mt Olympus tagging your nominated social media account where appropriate.

7. Declaration and acceptance

I have read and understood this form. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the event and its risks. I accept it freely and voluntarily.

Acceptance is captured on the MOFO 2026 registration form. The full text of this declaration is displayed on the registration form, where you will be asked to tick: “I have read and agree to the MOFO 2026 Acknowledgement of Risk & Participant Declaration.” You will give your date of birth and type your full legal name, which serves as your electronic signature. The form records the date and time of submission, and emails you a complete copy of your submitted registration including this declaration. Entries are not confirmed until this is completed and payment is received.

8. Parent / guardian consent (competitors under 18)

Required only where the competitor is under 18 on the day of competition. The registration form determines this from the date of birth and will require the guardian’s full name, relationship to the competitor, contact phone and email before the entry can be submitted.

I am the parent or legal guardian of the competitor named above. I have read this form, I understand the risks described, and I consent to their participation on these terms. I confirm the declarations in sections 2–4 are true for them, and I accept the media release on their behalf.

“I have read and agree to the MOFO 2026 Acknowledgement of Risk & Participant Declaration on behalf of the competitor named above.”

Paper backup — for use at bib pickup if required

Full name of competitor: ____________________________________

Date of birth: ____________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________

Date: ____________________________________

If the competitor is under 18:

Parent/Guardian full name: ____________________________________

Relationship to competitor: ____________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________

Date: ____________________________________

Contact phone: ____________________________________

Version: July 2026. Event details are subject to change for weather, snow, avalanche risk, visibility, operational requirements or safety decisions.