Excitement is building as Wānaka snow sports athletes prepare to head overseas for the Northern Hemisphere season, with several already named in New Zealand teams and early selections for the 2026 Winter Olympics confirmed.

Adding to the momentum, the Wānaka Snowsports Club has distributed $22,350 in grants to 27 athletes to support their training and competition goals over the next six months.

Grant coordinator Bonny Teat said while New Zealand’s high-performance athletes are well supported through Snow Sports NZ, many aspiring competitors face significant costs. 

The annual grants aim to help bridge that gap and make overseas training more achievable.

Among this year’s recipients are Freeride World Tour athlete Ben Richards, age-group freeride champions Aiden Fitzpatrick and Eva Small, alpine combined champions Isabel Watterson and Jesse Mutton, and promising ANC medal-winning freeskier Sylvia Trotter.

Para alpine skier Bailley Unahi also received special consideration. Although outside the usual age criteria, she only began para skiing in her 20s and is pursuing Paralympic selection.

The club raises funds through alpine events, social functions, and its annual Snowsports Gear Sale in May. 

Support from local businesses — including RealNZ Cardrona-Treble Cone, Mike Greer Homes, and Southern Land — plays a key role in the club’s activities and athlete development.

The club will celebrate its athletes on Saturday, October 25, with a farewell BBQ and auction. 

The evening coincides with New Zealand alpine racer Alice Robinson’s first World Cup start of the season at Soelden.

PHOTO: Supplied