Wānaka skier Isabel Watterson (16) has secured the first FIS level national title of her career, winning the women’s crown at the New Zealand Slalom National Championships at Coronet Peak on Monday (September 1).

Isabel put down a strong second run to overtake her rivals and be named 2025 NZ Slalom National Champion.

“I just went for it and tried to ski my best,” she said.

“The level of the Kiwi women is really high at the moment so it’s great to take the win.”

After the first run, Auckland’s Charlotte Wiggins led the women’s field, with Nelson’s Ruby Fullerton just behind her and Isabel sitting in third. 

Isabel delivered a blistering second run to claim the trophy. Charlotte finished second, +0.92 behind, and New Plymouth’s Zoe Parr rounded out the podium.

The result marks a career milestone for Isabel, who said it gave her confidence heading into her 2025/26 FIS season.

In the men’s race, 20-year-old Tutukaka skier Alec Jackson successfully defended his 2024 title, winning by more than a second ahead of Rotorua’s Jesse Mutton. Wānaka’s Calder Bain finished third among the New Zealanders.

Almost 90 athletes from 22 nations competed in Monday’s event, which doubled as an international FIS race and the New Zealand National Championships.

The international women’s podium was topped by Germany’s Romy Ertl, while Norway’s Eirik Hystad won the men’s FIS title.

PHOTO: Sean Beale/Snow Sports NZ.