Alice Robinson wins first alpine race of Winter Games

Alice Robinson has continued her incredible run of podium finishes, taking the win today at the Winter Games NZ FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Giant Slalom race at Coronet Peak.
 
“I feel like I skied smart and solid for the conditions," Ms Robinson said.

"It’s so nice to race at home at Coronet Peak and have my friends and family here.

"I enjoy having this pre-season warm up race, it’s good to go through the motions and it’s special to be at home and sleep in my own bed.”

The women's podium, left to right, Romy Ertl, Alice Robinson, and Madison Hoffman.

Thirty-four athletes representing 14 nations competed on The Hurdle today at the Queenstown ski area.

The Giant Slalom course differed slightly from previous editions of Winter Games NZ, with the athletes starting higher up at the top of the Coronet Express on the M1, with incredible views across the Wakatipu Basin from the start gate.

This higher start meant the athletes came in at pace to the big left-hand bend that launched them onto the formidable Hurdle, widely recognised as one of the steepest GS slopes in the Southern Hemisphere.   
 
Ms Robinson, in bib 4, attacked the course and put down a blistering first run, taking the run one lead by -0.92. Australia’s Madison Hoffman was sitting in second place with 17-year-old Romy Ertl of Germany in third. 
 
Ms Robinson made quick work of run two, charging down the course and extending her lead, taking the win by -1.67 seconds. Ms Ertl put her foot on the gas for her second run, skiing into second place overall, with Ms Hoffman rounding out the podium in third. 

Today’s race had a star-studded list of forerunners, including 2023 FIS Slalom crystal globe winner Norwegian-Brazilian ski racer Lucas Braathen. Tommy Ford and River Ramadus of the USA also foreran the course, alongside New Zealand’s Toby Jackson. 
 
The Coronet Peak race crew worked exceptionally hard preparing the course to ensure the best possible surface for the women. The men were originally scheduled to race today, but with challenging snow conditions pushing out the schedule after the women’s run one, the priority was to get the women’s second run away to complete the race and get a result. 
 
The alpine programme continues tomorrow with another FIS ANC Giant Slalom race down The Hurdle.