Where to Ski And Snowboard - Winter games underway in NZ

Winter games underway in NZ

12th August 2011, by Chris Gill

The Burton New Zealand Open Games is underway in Queenstown (South Island).

The games is the country’s biggest snow sports event, featuring an international crowd of skiers and snowboarders plus top teams from other winter sports. And, of course, there will be a party atmosphere, with plenty of entertainment lined-up for the visiting crowds.

The second biennial event features almost 40 different sports, from alpine ski racing to cross-country competitions, biathlon, snowboarding, mountain biking on snow, ice hockey, adaptive skiing and more. Most of these competitions are held in Queenstown and Wanaka, but also in nearby venues.

Many of Europe’s best skiers will be competing in the alpine slalom and slalom races, to be held at Coronet Peak. And there’s Super-G taking place on 27 August at Mt Hutt. Slopestyle events are scheduled for Snow Park resort, while the Big Air and Snowboard Cross World Cup events are due at Cardrona.

The 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games 2011 runs until 28 August and conditions out there at the moment are looking pretty good. Since the warm May spell delayed the onset of winter, there have been some good snowfalls – Coronet Peak currently reports a metre base; cover in some of the gullies looks a bit thin but the pistes are in fine shape.

If you’re interested in following the games, or heading out to NZ shortly, check out the official website:

wintergamesnz.com