Entries opening 28th February Buy your accommodation package online with your entry. Race day photos LINKS SNOW FARM SNOW REPORTS Enquiries merinomuster@gmail.com

Mini Merino Free entry The Mini Merino is the best race of the day for under 10's. This is a short ski around Mary's trail. Ski alongside your little one or they can race their hearts out. Entry is free! Enter Now

Age Group Prize Sponsor Click to enlarge Product Sponsorship Product Sponsorship is very welcome Two Categories .Product we can use on Drink Stations Volunteer lunches or Welcome Dinner Spot Race Prizes Contact Email: merinomuster@gmail.com or Phone 021766910 if you are even a little interested please email or phone us. Email: merinomuster@gmail.com or Phone 021766910 Merino Muster NZ. Charity Number is CC61075, Company number is CC 4251, NBN is 942903214842. Welcome Dinner sponsor Click to enlarge

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A big thank you for planning to volunteer, we couldn't do it without you. If you have trouble with this form, please email:merinomustervolunteer@gmail.com Please fill in the form below or click on the Volunteer form link.

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Training Programmes Snow Farm NZ Want to get race ready, or want to improve your technique? Snow Farm NZ has multiple cross country ski training programmes for all ages and abilites. Contact info@snowfarm.nz or learn more below. Learn More Training Tips Snow Girls From $99 Intro to XC Skiing Supported by Kinisi Running From $99 4 week Skate Progression Private Lessons Youth Programmes Waiorau Nordic Ski Club

The Snow Farmer 5 km Never tried cross-country skiing? No problem. The Snow Farmer 5 KM is made for first-timers, families, mates and anyone keen to try something new this winter. You don't need to be a serious skier - hire some gear, have a practice at Snow Farm and come and give it a go. It's a brilliant workout, a lot of fun and, frankly, a bit of a Wānaka rite of passage. If you've lived here long enough, chances are someone you know has had a crack at the Muster. Maybe 2026 is your year. This year will be particularly special as we come together to honour John Lee, the founder of Snow Farm and Cardrona Alpine Resort, and the man whose vision helped shape winter in Wānaka. There couldn't be a better year to get on some skis, join the community and be part of a local tradition he helped create. Enter on your own or grab your family, friends, workmates or school crew and enter the team section. Everyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal for their ‘athletic achievements’ wall! Come for the challenge. Stay for the fun. Become part of the Muster. Enter Now THE COURSE The 5km Snow Farmer takes skiers on a journey around the ever-popular highlander onto Merino Glen trail finishing with Highlander Coaxing your children around their first long distance ski event can be very special and an experience for parents or in many cases grandparents to relish.m we even have a lolly station as our aid station. You have all day to get them round and the presence of a feeding station increases the aura of a serious athletic achievement. Race Info Date: Saturday 22nd August 2026 Distance: 5km Start Time: 9;10am Start/Finish Line: Snow Farm NZ Base Race Briefing: Minimum Age: no restriction Categories: two year age group under 20 5 five-year groups over 20 Team Categories: School Challenge Teams, Teams Finisher Medal Enter Now Photo Gallery

Sun, Spirit and Success at the Annual 2024 Merino Muster This past Saturday, on the rolling hills of Snow Farm, New Zealand, was a buzz with excitement as the Merino Muster took center stage. The event, highlighted by a challenging 42km long-distance skiing race in freestyle technique, attracted athletes and X-Country enthusiasts from around the globe, all eager to test their limits on the pristine trails under clear skies and bright sunshine. Thrilling Finishes in the Women's Race In the women’s 42km Merino Muster race, Team USA’s Jessie Diggins delivered an outstanding performance, claiming victory with a time of 1:52:49.31. Close behind was her teammate Julia Kern, who secured second place with a time of 1:55:41.53. The third spot on the podium went to Katerina Paul from Team BSV IBEX, finishing in 2:13:39.20. Top 5 Women: Jessie Diggins, USA - 1:52:49.31 Julia Kern, USA - 1:55:41.53 Katerina Paul, AUS - 2:13:39.20 Linnea Magnusson, SWE - 2:19:35.41 Yvonne Pfluger, AUT - 2:32:49.82 A Tight Race in the Men's Competition The men’s race was equally intense, with Japan’s Akito Watabe emerging victorious, completing the course in 1:51:29.72. His brother, Yoshito Watabe, followed in second place with a time of 1:59:02.97. The podium was completed by Ian Hardenbergh from the USA, who crossed the finish line in 1:59:07.29. Top 5 Men: Akito Watabe, JPN - 1:51:29.72 Yoshito Watabe, JPN - 1:59:02.97 Ian Hardenbergh, USA - 1:59:07.29 Ross Hamilton, AUS - 2:16:54:57 Christopher Forne, NZL - 2:17:29:67 Mini Merino: The Fun Filled Event for the Youngest Champions The Mini Merino event proved to be a highlight for our Under-10 champions, who raced with boundless energy and enthusiasm. The event was made even more special with the appearance of surprise guests Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern, who appeared discreetly in sheep disguises to cheer on the young skiers. Their encouragement at the finish line added a touch of traditional Merino Muster style and excitement, making the event unforgettable for the young participants and spectators alike. Alice Moran: A Historic Achievement for NZ In addition to the thrilling races, the Merino Muster marked a significant milestone for New Zealand skiing. Alice Moran is set to become the first-ever New Zealand female Worldloppet Master, a prestigious title in the world of X-Country skiing. Alice’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her incredible talent and dedication to the sport. Her achievement not only brings pride to New Zealand but also inspires the next generation of skiers to aim high and dream big. A Day To Remember To every competitor, thank you for joining us in skiing across the rolling and beautiful Mt Pisa ranges this year. It celebrates the annual mustering of the Merino Sheep from the high country at the end of each summer for winter grazing, and we were beyond happy to celebrate with you all. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, and participants who made this day possible. Your dedication and enthusiasm helped create unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Access to all photos, credentials to Frame Power, are here: www.bossfotos.com/merinomuster For all finalised race results, check out the Merino Muster Results .

Shop Products available on your entry - go to your account on Eventplus (where you entered and go to shop hhttps://eventplus.net/MM26 Click on my account and sign in ' The shop is on the left of your menu when you sign in. Dinner tickets available here Bus reservations

Race Info 2026 Coming soon The full course is groomed and has great snow cover30th July Entries Enter on line https://eventplus.net/MM26 h ttps://www.merinomuster.com/entries. Rac ers Hand Book Snow Report - Snow Farm Web Page Snow farm Web Cam Snow Farm Snow Report Facebook Nordic Pulse App- download the app. Snow Farm Web Page Mini Merino’s please enter online its free but entry required Start times Start Times:To be confirmed 42km Merino Muster 9:00 am 21km Snow Rake 9:05 am 5km Straggle Muster 9:15am 1km Mini Muster TBA Minis must enter online 22th August Race Bib Pick up Lake Wānaka Centre 31st August Race day Snow farm Grooming Only the course will be groomed and exits from the course marked either with ropes or v- boards Marshalls. There will be Marshalls at all the difficult junctions. Race map Race maps are on the MerinoMuster website and will be updated as soon as we are sure of the Snow https://www.merinomuster.com/race-details Race Technique All events are freestyle technique, with classic tracks provided for classic skiers. Event Details - Note 5km Straggle Muster Course 1X Loop 1. GREEN 21 km Snow Rake Course Loop 1 & 2 BLUE 42km Merino Muster Course Loop 1, 2 & 3 RED Welcome Dinner 29th August Dinner: Informal evening dinner. 5:30 Drinks and Dinner 6 pm. Meet other Merino Muster participants, locals volunteers and visitors.Venue _ Lake Wanaka Centre Waxing Service Snow Farm offers a race waxing service. Please book on the Snow Farm website. Ski Hire Snow farm has ski hire options but please book through Snow Farm. There are no other hire options. www.snowfarm.nz Trail Passes . A trail pass is needed to ski in race week. It is covered by your entry fee on race day Bus Race day Departs 8:00 am Bookings are essential for the race day bus, it is included in the International ski package but you must confirm you confirm are going to use the bus. Bus tickets available on the Entry website. Mountain Facilities Food etc Unfortunately we no longer have a.ccess to the areas in the lodge that some of you will be familiar with. i.e Change rooms or showers WE do have the polar cafe with coffee pastries and pies. BBQ on race day Worldloppet Passports Stamping & Purchase of passports will be available after the event on the mountain & at prize giving Visitor to Wanaka -Check out the activities at the I Site The Merino Muster committee endeavour to use safe food handling with the events associated with food. Our volunteers are instructed in safe covid practise. See our food handling procedures