Southern slopes to host global snow sports competitions

FIS World Cup events will be back hosted on Kiwi ski fields this year for the first time in five years.

Winter Games NZ has confirmed an extensive programme for winter 2024, and it includes the first FIS events held in New Zealand since 2019.

Ten world class events are set to be held across alpine, freeride and park and pipe disciplines between August 23 September 9 in Queenstown and Wānaka. 
 
Winter Games NZ chief executive Marty Toomey says his team is now preparing to deliver the largest snow sports event in the Southern Hemisphere.

"Winter Games NZ provides fantastic opportunities for homegrown athletes, while showcasing the incredible facilities at our local resorts.

"We are excited to invite the best snow sports athletes in the world back to Aotearoa New Zealand.”
 
The games will kick off at The Remarkables ski area with Freeride World qualifier events, before the action heads across the Wakatipu Basin to Coronet Peak, where two high-octane FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Giant Slalom and two FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Slalom races will be held. 
 
Meanwhile the FIS freeski and snowboard park and pipe programme at Cardrona Alpine Resort is comprised of four competitions, including two FIS Australia New Zealand Cups (snowboard halfpipe and freeski slopestyle) and two FIS World Cups (snowboard slopestyle and freeski halfpipe). 
 
The FIS World Cups mark the beginning of the journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games as the first events in the global FIS calendar that count towards Olympic qualification. 
 
FIS contest director park and pipe Roby Moresi says, “Winter Games NZ has confirmed two World Cup competitions that balance out the global Park and Pipe World Cup calendar, allowing all athletes to start the 2026 Winter Olympic qualification process with the best possible scenario".

"Visiting New Zealand has always been special with a great vibe, we are all looking forward to travelling down to New Zealand once again."

Winter Games NZ events are free of charge to attend as spectators, plus organisers include extensive digital coverage via their social media channels and website.
 
View the full programme please here.

Main image (Supplied/Winter Games NZ): Finn Bilous dropping in at Cardrona Alpine Resort at the 2023 Winter Games NZ.