Winter Games NZ 2024: Pushing Boundaries in Southern Hemisphere Winter Sports

With over a hundred skiers and snowboarders participating in The North Face Frontier events alone, the Games showcased the depth of talent in freeride disciplines.

The 2-star and 4-star freeride competitions at Treble Cone and The Remarkables ski areas respectively presented unique challenges to the athletes. Vaughan Hardwick, winner of the men's snowboard category in the 2-star event, described his approach: "The plan was just to huck and pray. I knew I was going to flip I just didn't know where. It was good fun, the snow was good." This sentiment was echoed by many competitors who had to adapt quickly to the changing conditions.

In the 4-star event, the conditions were even more demanding. Jaimie Figueira, winner of the women's snowboard category, shared her mindset: "I really want it so I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and hit more features." This determination was evident across all categories, with athletes pushing their limits in the challenging terrain.

The men's ski category in the 4-star event saw a thrilling competition between twin brothers Fynn and Lach Powell. Fynn, who secured the top spot, expressed his excitement: "I was so unbelievably stoked when I heard the call over the radio and I had to try and back him up. I won this event last year, so I'm really stoked to be able to come back and put another run down." This brotherly competition added an extra layer of excitement to the already intense event.

The Games also featured alpine races at Coronet Peak, demonstrating the event's commitment to showcasing a wide range of winter sports disciplines. This diversity of events not only attracts a broader range of athletes but also provides spectators with a comprehensive winter sports experience. From the high-speed precision of alpine skiing to the creative expression of freeride events, the Winter Games NZ offered something for every winter sports enthusiast.

Furthermore, the Winter Games NZ plays a crucial role in the development of winter sports in the region. Ruby Hewitt, winner of the women's ski category in the 2-star event, highlighted the supportive atmosphere: "The camaraderie between the female competitors today has been awesome, everyone is really supporting everyone." This spirit of mutual support and encouragement is vital for the growth of the sport, particularly in fostering new talent.

The importance of the event was further underscored by Jessie Violet, winner of the women's ski category in the 4-star event. She noted, "It's exciting to see the girls send and the progression of the sport. The girls are pushing hard for the podium, the bar gets set and everyone just fights for it, it's good to see everyone going for it." This progression is not just limited to the women's categories but is evident across all disciplines and genders.

By providing a platform for both established and up-and-coming athletes to compete at a high level, the Games contribute significantly to the growth of winter sports in New Zealand and Australia. The event's timing in the Southern Hemisphere winter also makes it an important preparation ground for Northern Hemisphere athletes gearing up for their competitive season.

Judge Andrew Pollard summed up the challenging conditions of the 4-star event, highlighting the strategic aspect of freeride competitions: "It was really important today that people skied and rode smart. At one point we were concerned we might not have enough snow to safely run an event so it was good to see people making smart decisions, that's how you win a freeride event." This emphasis on smart riding and skiing showcases the mental aspect of the sport, where athletes must balance risk and reward in rapidly changing conditions.

As the Winter Games NZ continues to grow in stature, it cements its position as a key event in the global winter sports calendar. The 2024 edition, running from August 23rd to September 9th in Queenstown and Wānaka, featured ten world-class competitions across alpine, freeride, and park and pipe disciplines. This comprehensive coverage of winter sports disciplines, combined with the high level of competition, ensures that the Winter Games NZ will continue to attract top talent and enthusiastic spectators for years to come.