42km Merino Muster
The Merino Muster takes you around the spectacular Snow Farm trail network, through the heart of the Pisa Range and across a variety of alpine terrain.
For the competitive skier, the 42km course offers a rewarding mix of climbs, descents, open high-country terrain and winding trails, with regular feed stations along the way to keep you fuelled.
The course follows many of the trails and routes that reflect Snow Farm’s farming heritage, including areas once used by John Lee and his family when mustering Merino sheep
THE COURSE
42km Merino Muster
The 42km Merino Muster takes skiers on a journey through the heart of Snow Farm and the lower slopes of the Pisa Range, following many of the trails and routes shaped by the area’s farming and skiing history.
Please note: The course route may vary from year to year depending on snow levels, snow conditions and weather. The final course will be confirmed by the Race Organisers and Technical Director before race day, with safety and skiable conditions always the priority.
Starting from the Snow Farm stadium, skiers head around Highlander before joining Mary’s Trail. From there, the course continues out towards Hanging Valley, across Musterers Flat and on to Meadow Hut.
The route then turns back through Tranquillity, following the Top of the Loop and returning to the Snow Farm Base Area.
At the base, skiers pass through the lap lane beside the finish structure before heading out for their second lap. The course then takes them back along Mary’s Trail, through Hanging Valley, across Musterers Flat and again to Meadow Hut.
From Meadow Hut, skiers make their way back through Tranquillity, along the Top of the Loop and into the Snow Farm Base Area, before heading to the finish.
After 42 kilometres of skiing through Snow Farm’s unique alpine landscape, the final stop is the finish line — where your Merino Muster medal awaits.
Race Info
Date: Saturday 28 August 2027
Distance: 42km
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start/Finish: Snow Farm NZ Base
Race Briefing: Details to be confirmed
Minimum Age: 18 years, unless prior arrangements have been made with a coach
Categories
Under 20: 2-year age groups
20 years and over: 5-year age groups
Cut-Offs
The cut-off for starting Lap 2 of the 42km Merino Muster is 12:00 pm, based on a 9:00 am start. This is designed to give skiers six hours to complete the full 42km course.
The Race Organisers will take a flexible and supportive approach to the cut-off, considering weather conditions, course conditions and the apparent health and wellbeing of the skier. Our mission is to support skiers to safely complete the course wherever possible.
If a skier does not complete the full 42km course because they do not meet the Lap 2 cut-off, they may be recorded with a 21km time. They will not be eligible for a 42km podium placing but will be recognised in a special category.
Weather & Course Changes
The Merino Muster is a snow-dependent alpine event. The course route, start time, cut-offs or race format may be changed if required by snow levels, weather or safety conditions.
In the event of severe weather or a mountain storm, the Race Organisers and Technical Director may make changes to protect the safety of participants, volunteers and staff. We will communicate any changes to participants as early as possible.
Safety always comes first, while we aim to provide the best possible skiing experience and support skiers to complete the event.
Course Map
MUSTER
Mustering is the traditional process of gathering and herding sheep from the high country to where they need to go.
Long before Snow Farm became a home for cross-country skiing, these hills were home to Merino sheep. Each May, the sheep were mustered down from the high country to graze on the lower country through the winter months.
Today, the Merino Muster keeps a little of that tradition alive. Instead of following sheep and sheep dogs across the hills, we follow the old mustering routes on skis!
Come and celebrate the tradition with us — the Merino Muster is a muster with a difference.
Please note: there are no sheep or sheep dogs entered in the event.
