Winter Games NZ, the largest snow sports event in the Southern Hemisphere, will no longer proceed in its current format. Organisers cite “adverse economic conditions” as the primary factor undermining the event’s financial sustainability.
Rising delivery costs, limited sponsorship opportunities within New Zealand, and international federation fees indexed to strong European currencies have created insurmountable challenges. Consequently, the Winter Games NZ Charitable Trust has concluded it can no longer support snow sports pathway events. These include the FIS Australia New Zealand Cups, Freeride World Tour Qualifiers, FIS Junior World Championships, and FIS World Cups.
Dr Sam Hazledine, Chair of Winter Games NZ, stated, “While it is with a heavy heart that we share this news, we are immensely proud of what has been achieved over the last 15 years and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the legacy of Winter Games NZ.”
The event owes its origins to the vision of the late Sir Eion Edgar, a philanthropist who championed sport, education, and the arts in Otago. Launched in 2009, Winter Games NZ aimed to deliver a world-class competition platform for winter sports athletes and serve as a springboard for New Zealand competitors onto the global stage.
Over 11 editions, Winter Games NZ drew more than 600 athletes from over 40 nations, delivering 189 medal events, including 23 FIS Snowboard World Cups and 20 FIS Freeski World Cups. The event also hosted the world’s first FIS-sanctioned Freeski Big Air competition in 2011.
In the two years preceding each Winter Olympics, the Games played a critical role in qualification, offering FIS World Cup events that provided athletes with essential points. Beyond competition, the Games brought significant economic benefits to the Southern Lakes region, inspired New Zealand athletes, and showcased the country on a global stage.
The impact of Winter Games NZ is reflected in Olympic statistics. Since its inception, 49 of the 54 snowboard big air, halfpipe, and slopestyle Olympic medals, and 35 of the 42 freeski medals, have been awarded to athletes who competed at the Games.
Marty Toomey, Chief Executive of Winter Games NZ, acknowledged the closure as a turning point whilewse celebrating its enduring impact. “Many New Zealand athletes have achieved pivotal milestones through Winter Games NZ, whether earning their first FIS points, competing in their first World Cup, or securing qualification for the Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games.”
Trailblazing Kiwi freeskier Jossi Wells reflected on the significance of the Games: “It’s sad to see the end of Winter Games NZ as I knew it. It was an incredible event for Kiwi athletes to showcase their skills before an enthusiastic home crowd, surrounded by friends and family.”
While this marks the end of a transformative chapter, the legacy of Winter Games NZ will continue to influence winter sports in New Zealand and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on athletes, fans, and the global snow sports community.kingews
