Wānaka based ski racer Piera Hudson defended her New Zealand Giant Slalom Alpine National Championship title at Coronet Peak today (Thursday September 1).

The race included athletes from more than ten nations and overall race podiums, as well as National Championship podiums, were awarded. 

“It was great racing out there today and it was nice to put down two solid runs, so I am really happy to take home the title again,” Piera said.

Piera attacked the course in her first of two runs to open up a convincing lead over her Kiwi competitors. With the combined time over the runs determining the final placings, Piera put down a solid second run to claim the title for the seventh time in her career.  

 Katie Crawford and Michol Hinton rounded out the women’s NZ Giant Slalom National Championship podium in second and third, respectively.  

Willis Feasey claimed the men’s NZ Giant Slalom National Championships with Jack Adams in second and Keir Roberts third.  

The women’s race was won by Elise Hitter (SUI) with Piera in second and Lara Baumann and Elena Stoffel, both of Switzerland, in third equal. Ian Gut (LIE) was the men’s overall winner with Willis Feasey (NZL) in second and Andreas Soensterud (NOR) in third. 

 The New Zealand Alpine National Championships action continues on Saturday (September 3) with the Slalom event set to be held at Coronet Peak.  

PHOTO: Ross Mackay/Snow Sports NZ