Red Bull Homerun returns to Queenstown this September, and the numbers tell the story: 400 participants, one frantic dash to gear up, and 4:30pm of organised mayhem on Coronet Peak.
This isn’t your typical ski race. Picture this: hundreds of skiers and snowboarders lined up at the top, sprinting to grab their equipment, then bombing downhill in whatever costume seemed like a good idea that morning. Star Wars stormtroopers mixing it up with superheroes and matching onesies—all racing against the clock.
The event has grown from 250 participants last year to 400 this September, with one crucial addition: a Beginners’ Run. While experienced riders attack the main course, newcomers get their own line down the mountain—same energy, manageable pace.
Last year at The Remarkables, skier Willis Feasey posted the fastest time at 1:34. Not bad for someone likely wearing a ridiculous outfit. The split between skiers and snowboarders stays competitive, with prizes for fastest male and female in each category, plus best dressed.
Red Bull athletes Nico Porteous, Cool Wakushima, and Finn Bilous will be back mixing with weekend warriors and costumed chaos-seekers. Porteous, heading into his fourth Homerun, puts it simply: “Everyone’s just out there enjoying it. It’s about having a good time.”
The format remains beautifully simple: sprint to your gear at 4:30pm, race down whatever line you choose, then hit the afterparty at 1986 Queenstown. Registration includes lift access from 2pm, race entry, Red Bull gear bag, beanie, bib, and afterparty entry. Pricing sits between $20-29.
Red Bull Homerun has carved turns across slopes from Sweden to Canada. After successful New Zealand editions in 2019, 2022, and 2024, the Coronet Peak location promises bigger crowds and faster times.
Registration opens August 14. With 400 spots and growing demand, the smart money says this sells out before the snow even gets good.
Saturday, September 6. Coronet Peak. 4:30pm start. Registration closes at 2pm.
The mountain’s waiting. Question is: what costume are you wearing?
