August 13 28 2011
The 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games have just been announced for the 13 – 28 August 2011.In 2009 the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games made global snow sports history by producing the first winter sports event of its kind outside of the Winter Olympics, and by combining adaptive and able-bodied athletes in an elite event.
Expanding on the successful inaugural event in 2009 and following the success of the 2010junior championships, the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games will feature 16 days of snow and ice sports competition and is expected to attract over 1,000 elite international athletes to New Zealand, plus thousands more enthusiasts to watch the action.
For 2011 the program has been expanded with the inclusion of two new sports, and a new location.
Mt Hutt Ski Area – in the Christchurch – Canterbury region – will host the Super G and Adaptive Super G alpine skiing events, with the remaining alpine skiing events staying at Coronet Peak, in Queenstown.
Dunedin, which will provide a home the ice sports, will see an increase in events with the inclusion of speed skating and the ice hockey tournament will feature four international teams in a round robin play-off, plus figure skating at the Games opening.
The ice program will be rounded out by the curling program in Naseby, Maniototo which has been extended to include mixed pairs.
Another new addition is Winter Triathlon at Snow Farm, near Wanaka, which was a demonstration event at the 2009 Winter Games. Snow Farm will also host the adaptive and able-bodied cross-country.
Cardrona Alpine Resort near Lake Wanaka will host the free ski and snowboard halfpipe and big air events, together with the snowboard cross and ski cross racing. Freeski and snowboard slope style will take place cross the valley at Snow Park NZ.
For any snow sporting enthusiasts or adventures New Zealand is fast becoming famous for it’s incredible skiing, base jumping, white water rafting and a host of other amazing activities to partake in, it is without a doubt the best snow to be had in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere and provides a myriad of things to see and places to go!
