Cardrona Park Laps Through the Lens of George Pearson

All Images: George Pearson | Featured Skier: Liam Richards

August means the Southern Hemisphere ski season is in full swing. That means the best pros in the world are chasing pow or park, and if you're after the latter, odds are high you're headed to Cardrona, New Zealand. One of skiing's true freestyle breeding grounds, this resort outside of Wānaka has become a magnet for the best of the best.

Many make the journey to Cardrona during August and September in pursuit of the sculpted kickers that dot the five distinct terrain parks. And with European summer ski areas shutting down due to melting glaciers and record heat, the number of skiers making the pilgrimage is only increasing.

George Pearson has been keeping a close eye on the NZ scene over the last couple of seasons, and thankfully he's been roaming with camera in hand, snapping shots of Luke Harrold, Quinn Wolferman, Keagan Supple and more. "Working at [Cardrona], I feel very lucky to be involved in such a lively atmosphere every day, and to be around such great people, from groomer laps to serious air time in the park," Pearson told FREESKIER.

He continued, "Seeing the stoke when someone stomps the trick they've been chasing, witnessing the sense of community gained while pushing your limits, it's inspiring for sure. Photography is a large passion of mine, and I especially love capturing people in their biggest moments, which Cardrona is full of."

Pearson hit the nail on the head. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that during July, August and September, you've got a better chance of seeing a world's first trick at Cardrona than anywhere else in the world. But a picture tells a thousand words. Blue skies, white clouds and mute grabs; take a look at the full gallery below.