News Updates - Professional

International Ski Racers in New Zealand

Some of the world’s greatest names in ski racing are currently training at Coronet Peak In New Zealand’s Rocky Gully Race Arena and will be in the starting gates during this week’s Japanese FIS races at Coronet Peak.

The US Men’s and Women’s national ski teams, the Japanese national team, and Swedish Men’s and Women’s are all training at the ski area while the Canadian Women’s have just left following three weeks work and the Swiss Women are due to arrive next month.

Included in the line up for the Japanese races to be held tomorrow [Tuesday], Wednesday and Thursday are Olympic Gold Medalist Ted Ligety, his US team mates and fellow Olympians Erich Schlopy and Jimmy Cochran.

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says the races offer visitors to the mountain an outstanding opportunity to see the athletes in action.

“It’s a rare treat to see these people in action.  The racing at Coronet Peak over the next couple of weeks gives spectators the chance to feel the excitement of international ski racing.”

Following the Japanese FIS races are the Volkswagen National Championships to be held on the 29th, 30th and 31st of this month.

US Men’s coach Sasha Rearick says the team is delighted with the facilities at Coronet Peak. 

“The improvements to snowmaking, particularly in the race arena, have been fantastic,” he said. “The quality of the snow and the surface we’re able to train on is absolutely world class.”