Winter Games, 12th - 28th August 2011
For sixteen days the Southern Alps near Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island will become the venue for over 1,000 athletes from over 30 countries competing in 38 snow and ski-based events in 22 different sporting disciplines. This Winter Games attracts the world's top snow and ice sports athletes, some of whom use the games as their starting point on the journey to the 2014 Winter Olympics. The programme of sports includes:
- Figure skating
- Free skiing – half-pipe, slope style, big air
- Skiing – slalom, downhill
- Cross country skiing
- Adaptive snowboarding
- Luge
- Ice hockey
- Curling
- Triathlon
In true Queenstown-style, the winter fun and games are not limited to the daytime, with a film festival, live music, entertainment, adventure expo and family fun days also being held. There are also air and rail jams, as the activities and festivities extend to Lake Wanaka, Naseby, Dunedin and Methven.
Highlights of the Games
- Official Opening of the 100% Pure NZ Winter Games, Friday 12th August – A great free event for all the family. Snow is trucked into downtown Queenstown where free-stylers compete on a special purpose-built stair feature in front of thousands. Plus food, drink and live entertainment.
- Family Day, Saturday 20th August - Wrap up warm for a fabulous family day with bouncy castles, face painting, entertainment, crafts and local culinary delights.
- 2011 Advance Wanaka Sled Dog Festival, 25th - 26th August - This is the 20 th anniversary of New Zealand's premier dog sled race with 45 teams and 150 dogs racing. Watch the races and enjoy a warm mulled wine or two. (More information can be viewed at www.srsdc.co.nz)
- Queenstown Beer Festival, Saturday 27th August - Enjoy a brew at this fun and informative event with an emphasis on small, quality-focused breweries. Includes beer stalls, masterclasses, beer keller with live Bavarian style band plus Home Brew competition.
More Information
For more information about the Winter Games, visit www.wintergamesnz.com
Please note: Accommodation in Queenstown will get booked up, so make your reservations early to avoid disappointment. Follow the links below for more information about:
