Winter Games NZ is excited to confirm an extensive programme in 2024, 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 23 August - 9 September in Queenstown and Wānaka.  

The events are free to watch and take place at The Remarkables, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Here’s your guide to what’s on during the 2024 Winter Games NZ and where to catch the action.

The North Face Frontier FWT Qualifier 2* & 4* Freeride Events

Where:  Treble Cone (The North Face Frontier 2*) and The Remarkables (The North Face Frontier 4*)

When: 2* weather window 23 – 26 August  |  4* weather window  24 – 29 August

The 2024 Winter Games NZ will kick off with the much anticipated The North Face Frontier 2* and 4* Freeride World Qualifier events at Treble Cone and The Remarkables Ski Area in Queenstown.

After boasting it’s biggest start list ever in 2023, the stage is set for another huge week of freeride competition. With the opportunity to score Freeride World Qualifier points that can be applied to either Region 1 or Region 2, this is a key event for Kiwi and international Freeride athletes. 

Both venues will be accessible for spectators (valid lift pass required). Check the Winter Games NZ website for more spectator info.

The North Face Frontier Freeride event

FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) Alpine Ski Racing

Where: Coronet Peak

When: 27 & 28 August – Giant Slalom  |  30 & 31 August – Slalom

The FIS Australian New Zealand Cup (ANC) Giant Slalom and Slalom races will be taking place at New Zealand’s home of alpine ski racing, Coronet Peak. The races will see homegrown Kiwi athletes take on some of the biggest global names in ski racing on home snow.

The high-octane Giant Slalom races are up first, with athletes flying down the formidable Hurdle slope at incredible speeds. They will then compete in two slalom races held on Race Arena, where precision will be crucial as they make their way down the technical course.

There are fantastic viewing platforms for all races accessible from the main runs at Coronet Peak (valid lift pass required), check out the Winter Games NZ website for detailed spectator maps and additional information.

FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Premium – Snowboard & Freeski

Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort

When: 27 & 27 August – Snowboard Halfpipe  |  4 & 5 September – Freeski Slopestyle

The Park and Pipe programme at Cardrona Alpine Resort will commence with the ANC premium events for both Snowboard Halfpipe and Freeski Slopestyle. With additional points up for grabs in this Premium event, it is a crucial stop on the 2024 ANC series for those athletes vying for a personal World Cup start for the upcoming 2024/25 Northern Hemisphere season.

The halfpipe and slopestyle venues are both accessible either by skiing/snowboarding or by foot (valid lift pass required). Check out the Winter Games NZ website for more information.

FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup

Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort

When: 30 August – 1 September

For the first time since 2017, New Zealand will host a FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup. Held on Cardrona Alpine Resort’s world-class Big Bucks terrain park, the best of the best will descend on the course to battle it out for the top spot. In 2024 these points are extra valuable as they are the first event in which the points count towards qualification for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games!

The Slopestyle course spectator zone is located at the top of the Whitestar Chairlift, easily accessible for blue run skiers and snowboarders. Foot access is also possible via the McDougalls Gondola (valid lift pass required).

Snowboard Slopestyle

FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup

Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort

When: 7 & 8 September

Get ready to watch the best halfpipe skiers in the world compete in Cardrona’s 22-foot Olympic halfpipe. With the incredibly talented Kiwi contingent competing against some of the most decorated international names, you are not going to want to miss this event!

As with the Snowboard Slopestyle, this event marks the first Freeski Halfpipe qualification event towards the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, athletes will be giving it their all to secure valuable points.

For spectators the halfpipe is easily accessible via McDougalls Chondola on skis or snowboard (valid lift pass required), or an easy walk up from the base area for those on foot.

FIS ANC Halfpipe at Cardrona, Winter Games NZ. Image: Sean Beale

The Winter Games NZ events, particularly freeride and freestyle, are notorious for good vibes and big crowds on the hill. Spend the day with your friends, get blown away by the action and sip some champagne or bring a picnic, all the while taking in the stunning views.

If you’re bringing young ones along, they can play in the snow while seeing their heroes in action and getting inspired to ride. Signings will take place too so you can meet the top pros in person.

All events are easy to access and free to watch, so get into the mountains to enjoy the showcase of young Snowsports talent and cheer on the next generation of freeride and freestyle skiing.

If you can’t make any of the events in person, there will be a live stream available on the Winter Games NZ YouTube so you can still catch the action live.

The Remarkables

Plan your Queenstown local experience

Stay a bit longer to experience all Queenstown has to offer this season. Find ways to immerse yourself in Queenstown’s natural beauty and connect with the locals in our 6-day travel itinerary.