Merino Muster

Alice Moran has become the first female Worldloppet Master from New Zealand. At the Merino Muster 2024 – her home race – she got awarded with this title. Afterwards she shared here feelings about this journey, to encourage skiers from all around the globe, to take on the challenge:

“This race was different from my experiences at other Worldloppet events and special for many reasons. This is my home race. It was exciting to see so many international skiers coming to the area I call home and recognizing their excitement from the other side. The welcome dinner two nights before the event was a nice way to meet fellow skiers and share stories. It was also a uniquely Kiwi experience with a traditional Māori welcome and song by a local school kapa haka group. I felt proud to be a New Zealander. 

Traveling and skiing in different countries, cultures and environments in Europe was a wonderful experience, beyond my imagination, but it also made me realize how unique and special the Merino Muster at Snow Farm, New Zealand is. When I think about it, it really is incredible to have an international event at a world class cross-country ski area in New Zealand. It’s purely due to the vision and hard work of Mary and John Lee. We call it “kiwi ingenuity”.

Completing the full 42km Merino Muster was extra special for me. I had done the 21km race before, but this was my first time competing in the full 42km Merino Muster and the contrast to my previous experience went well beyond the greater distance. The trails were so familiar, along with the smiles and cheers from volunteers and friends at aid stations around the course. Not to forget the amazing opportunity to ski in the same event as superstars in the cross country/nordic combined ski world such as Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern, Akito Watabe and Yoshito Watabe. To be able to ski in the same race as them as well as people skiing in full cow and sheep outfits all contributed to a unique and fun vibe. 

As I cruised around the familiar trails and soaked up the atmosphere, I reflected on my journey to this stage of my life in cross-country. From visiting Snow Farm on a school camp, knowing nothing about the sport – to being about to become a Worldloppet Master – the culmination of a dream and the support, help, friendship and mentorship of many many people. 

I can’t easily describe how special it was to ski to the finish line and be welcomed by so many people that mean a lot to me and have been a part of my journey to learn to ski and complete the Worldloppet Master dream. Staff from work, friends, family and international skiers who I had met throughout the week were all hanging around the finish line, getting amongst a “kiwi barbeque” in the sunshine. It was extra special to give a big hug to Mary Lee, who was integral in making it possible for me to ski in Europe. I appreciate so much the work she has done to give me and so many others the opportunity to learn cross-country skiing in New Zealand and to dream bigger!

The 2024 Merino Muster for me was a time to reflect on all the memories, adventures and people the sport of cross-country skiing and Worldloppet have given me. This won’t be my last ski marathon, and I look forward to seeing where this passion and amazing sport leads me next.”

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