Winter Games NZ - The greatest show on snow in New Zealand

Winter Games NZ will take place at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Farm, Naseby and Dunedin from 22-30 August 2009. Whether you plan to compete, work as a volunteer or simply watch the action from a chairlift, it’s going to be the only winter sports event outside the Olympics.

From skiing and boarding to skating and curling

	Adaptive Skiing
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The programme has been designed to give athletes the chance to get valuable competition experience in an elite environment before the Vancouver Winter Olympics next year. Spectators will have free access to many of the events, including the opening and closing ceremonies. And television coverage will ensure that winter sport enthusiasts can keep an eye on the event from almost anywhere in the world.

Cool venues in beautiful places

X-Country Skiing
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Four commercial snow sport venues have been secured for Winter Games NZ. The slopes of Cardrona, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak - all within easy driving distance of each other - will host skiing and boarding events. Snow Farm, near Wanaka, will take care of the cross-country skiing and winter triathlon events.

At the Maniatoto Ice Rink in Naseby you’ll be able to watch curling, an ancient Scottish sport that has been a special feature of the Central Otago region since the late 1870s. The traditions and etiquette of curling have become part of local folklore. The natural luge track is also located in Naseby, right next door to the curling rink.

Dunedin, the largest city in the lower South Island, will host ice skating and ice hockey events at its fantastic indoor ice stadium, which was only built five years ago.

Want to compete or volunteer?

If you’re a winter athlete with your heart set on an Olympic medal, Winter Games NZ is just the kind of practice you need. The official cut-off for entries is July 25th. No entries fees apply.

As with all snow sports events of this size, an energetic force of volunteer workers is essential for smooth running. If you want to help out, sign up at the official website.

Build the games into a blockbuster holiday

	Freeskiing
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Close to the snow sports venues are the resort towns of Wanaka and Queenstown. When you’re not on the slopes, there’s always plenty to do. Fill your time with flightseeing to Fiordland, wine tasting at local vineyards, horse trekking, golf and boutique shopping. Adventurous souls can try jet boating, skydiving, bungy jumping, canyon swinging and white water rafting.

In the North Island, an easy domestic flight away, winter sport is delivered on the slopes on an active volcano - Mount Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park. The Whakapapa ski area on the northern side of the mountain delivers massive views of the central North Island, including Mount Ngauruhoe which starred as Mount Doom for the Lord of the Rings movies. On the southern side of the mountain, Turoa skifield can claim New Zealand’s longest vertical drop at 722 metres. From Turoa’s top lift you can walk the 500 metres to the volcano’s hot crater lake (swimming not recommended!).

Get booking now!

Winter Games NZ is the perfect excuse to come and see a country that will blow you away with its beauty. When you’re making decisions about accommodation and activities, look for the Qualmark© - it’s your sign that the operator has been independently quality assessed.

Official website, for information, entries and volunteer registration
www.wintergamesnz.com