The Winter Games NZ kick off today (Saturday August 27) with the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Super G alpine ski racing at Coronet Peak. 

The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow sports event - returning with international competitors for the first time since Covid-19 - will include 16 events across alpine, freeride and freestyle (park and pipe) disciplines between Saturday and September 11. 

More than 400 athletes from 23 nations will compete.

“We are thrilled to be opening the 2022 Winter Games NZ at Coronet Peak ,” Winter Games NZ CEO Marty Toomey said. 

“After a few challenging years it is fantastic to be able to welcome international athletes back to New Zealand and provide a full programme…in the Queenstown Lakes District.”

Marty said anyone wanting to watch the action this weekend at Coronet Peak can find the best viewing spot at the end of the Arnold’s Way run.

“For those who aren’t on skis or snowboards, there is foot access to the lower spectator area via the Meadows Learner Express Chair between 9am and 10am each day free of charge.”

Following today’s event giant slalom races will take place at Coronet Peak on Sunday and Monday (August 28-29).

There will be a short break after the three days of racing before the competition resumes on this side of the hill (on Thursday September 1) at Cardrona Alpine Resort with the Cardrona FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Halfpipe qualifiers.

More events will follow through to September 11.

The alpine Australia New Zealand Cup events are part of the FIS Continental Cup series which is the level immediately beneath the FIS World Cups. The winner of each FIS Continental Cup series (Australia-New Zealand Cup, European Cup, Far East Cup, Nor-Am Cup, South American Cup) in each discipline is awarded a personal World Cup start for the upcoming season allowing them to compete at the top level.

If the winner is not from Australia or New Zealand, the top Australian or New Zealand athlete is also awarded their own personal World Cup spot. 

Find more information about the upcoming Winter Games NZ here.