Winter Games NZ has confirmed an extensive programme for this winter, including the first FIS World Cup 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 and September 9 in Queenstown and Wānaka. 

“I am delighted that we are once again preparing to deliver the largest snow sports event in the Southern Hemisphere,” Winter Games NZ CEO Marty Toomey said.

“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 2024 Winter Games NZ will kick off with The North Face Frontier 2* and 4* Freeride World Qualifier events at The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown. 

The action will then head across the Wakatipu Basin to Coronet Peak, where two FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Giant Slalom and two FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Slalom races will be held. 

Wānaka’s Lucia Georgalli competing in Snowboard Slopestyle at Cardrona Alpine Resort at the 2023 Winter Games NZ.

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. 

“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,” FIS Park & Pipe contest director Roby Moresi said.

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

View the full programme here. 

PHOTOS: Winter Games NZ