Winter Games NZ 2009
The Winter Games NZ take place at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Farm, Naseby and Dunedin between the 22nd and 30th of August. Over 800 of the world's top snow and ice stars and athletes, plus thousands of visitors are expected to attend this major winter sporting event in New Zealand.
Aside from a jam-packed programme of snow and ice sporting events, there are also festivals of music, comedy, arts, food and wine, extreme sports and social events for non-participants to enjoy. Here are some of the sporting highlights:
- Skiing – This is the first major event to include adaptive skiing in the mainstream event, enabling adaptive skiers to race on the same course, on the same day, as able-bodied skiers in the Super G, GS and slalom disciplines.
- Cross Country Skiing – One of the most difficult endurance sports requiring exceptional high aerobic fitness, for the first time cross country skiing at the Winter Games NZ enables adaptive athletes to compete on the same course as able-bodied competitors.
- Curling – Cheer on your favourite teams as they push 19.1kg stones to the centre of circular targets. Curling matches will be played indoors in Naseby, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s premier indoor curling centre.
- Figure Skating – Watch short and free skating programs executed by some of the top ice skaters in New Zealand.
- Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding - Skiers and snowboarders will perform competitive tricks and stunts on the half pipe, race down the slope style avoiding its many obstacles, race at high speed and perform Big Air tricks having launched from a massive jump. Heart-stopping stuff.
- Ice Hockey – Support New Zealand’s Ice Blacks as they take on rivals from across the sea, Australia, in a two match showdown held at Dunedin's Ice Stadium.
You can find out more on the Winter Games NZ website.
Otago and Queenstown Information
Otago and Queenstown are great destinations for visitors as both areas offer many accommodation, attractions, tours and sightseeing options. Find out more about each area by following the links below: