Wānaka’s Finley Melville Ives (18) has won his maiden World Cup, securing the top spot at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup in Calgary.

This makes him the youngest New Zealander to ever win a FIS Freeski World Cup.

“I just can’t believe it, I am so stoked,” Fin said.

“I have trained so hard and I am so happy to put down my run.” 

The mercury hovered around -20 degrees Celsius this week in Calgary, but the frigid conditions didn’t faze Fin who shared the podium with American freeski icons Nick Goepper (2nd) and Alex Ferreira (3rd).

“Both of them are my heroes growing up, I have watched them on the TV and at the Olympics, I can’t believe it, this is nuts,” Fin said.

Fin delivered his winning run on his first of two finals attempts. His highly technical performance included a left double corked 1620 mute grab into a unique left alley-oop double corked flat spin 1080 mute grab, earning him a score of 92.75 and an early lead.

He had to endure a nervous wait after recording a ‘Did Not Improve’ on his second run. With nine athletes still left to drop, his first-run score remained untouchable, sealing his first-ever World Cup victory.

Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold (16) finished just off the podium in fourth place, securing his season’s best result.

This competition marked the final stop of the 2025 FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup Tour, with Ferreira crowned overall champion and awarded the Crystal Globe. Fin finished fourth in the overall standings for the season.

The Kiwi Freeski Halfpipe Team now sets its sights on the World Championships, scheduled for the end of March in Switzerland.

PHOTO: FIS Park & Pipe