Coronet Peak Prepares World Class Slopes For International Race Teams

The world’s best skiers will enjoy top-class race conditions at Coronet Peak when training starts - thanks to the know-how and can-do of the ski area’s Race and Events crew.

Under the leadership of Head of Race and Events Richard Murphy, the crew has been preparing the slopes in the Rocky Gully Race Training Arena ahead of international race teams arriving for their annual Southern Hemisphere training camps.

A vital step in producing perfect race conditions is a ‘snow injection’ process that produces the ice hard surface preferred by ski racers.

“Snow injection involves a process using an injection bar – basically a snowmaking hose fitted to the injection bar with nozzles that pump water beneath the surface of the ski race course” said Mr Murphy.

“If timed perfectly with weather conditions it creates slopes and training conditions that are very firm and which get minimal wear from racers as they tear down the slopes at speeds of up to 80-100 km/ph.

Mr Murphy said the injection process began around two weeks ago and conditions were ready to welcome the racers.

“Everyone’s worked incredibly hard to achieve results that accurately simulate the conditions which athletes would encounter at World Cup or Olympic racing.

“The Canadian team arrived last Saturday and has been on the slopes all week, and the US team – including Olympic Gold medalists Lindsay Vonn and Bode Miller - is due to arrive this Saturday. Everyone’s getting really amped for the coming race season.”

International level races which are to be held at Coronet Peak include the Japanese FIS Cup, New Zealand Nationals and The Australia New Zealand Cup, along with unique training camps.

Coronet Peak has been the main Southern Hemisphere training centre for the US Alpine Ski Team for around 18 years and continues to be the number one training destination for many other alpine nations’ athletes and teams.

“Coronet is often favored by athletes for its ability to inject all training hills, consistent snowmaking, quick turnaround for athletes on Rock Gully T Bar and the Coronet Express, its rolling terrain and reliable weather patterns,” said Mr Murphy.

US Ski Team Head Coach Sasha Rearick has previously described Coronet Peak as an “amazing facility” and life in Queenstown for the athletes as “fantastic”.

ENDS

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