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Posted on Wednesday August 19th at 3:56 p.m.
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The Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series regularly attracts some of the strongest ski racing fields of the Southern Hemisphere season, even more so this year with the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games now on the near-term horizon.
"Most of the races have full fields, so everyone's anticipating what should be some of the most competitive races of the season," said Snow Sports New Zealand Alpine Director James Lazor.
"We're fortunate to have the support of Coronet Peak and the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team as the Race Organising Committee, both of whom make it possible to stage races that give New Zealand's top ski racers an opportunity to race against the best in the world."
The series begins Wednesday morning, 19 August with a Women's GS, and continues Thursday with the Men's GS, both run on The Hurdle on Coronet Peak. The Women's and Men's Slalom are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Top Kiwis, as well as some of the world's best-known international ski racers will be charging hard to lower their FIS points in the lead-up to Vancouver. New Zealand is led by Ben Griffin, Tim Cafe and Angus Howden.
Many of these same racers will be competing in the upcoming 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games, which kick off this weekend.
The Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series concludes with the 2009 Black On Track Party, an annual celebration of ski racing in New Zealand that also serves as an important fundraising event for the ski racing community and is organised by the Snowvision Foundation.
At Saturday evening's event, Ski Racing New Zealand is planning to announce a new partnership with NatureZone and the Aotea Group. Aotea Group is New Zealand's largest tourism retail group with eight stores in New Zealand.
Aotea Group produces a 100% New Zealand-made Merino adventure wear that is a "must item" for those with an active sporting and social life.
Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. Ski Racing New Zealand is a member of Snow Sports New Zealand.