Merino Muster

The course at Snow Farm/Cadrona NZL was looking pristine but nature popped a surprise rain on Wednesday night followed by new snow. The grooming team is on a mission to get the full course ready for tomorrow Saturday.

The Welcome Dinner greeted the Worldloppet Skiers with a traditional Māori Welcome delivered Wanaka’s Joe Waide (Wanahaka) followed by the T Kura O Take Karara Wanaka Primary School’s Haka group singing and dancing. The welcome was accepted by Robert Palliser, the most capped Worldloppet skiers in the 2024 Merino Muster.

Joe delivered the welcome with humour and professionalism explaining the traditional warmth of the greeting when visitors come to enjoy our magnificent environment.

Gold Masters Certificates were presented to Seppo Myllylä of Finland, Bruce Wharrie received a Gold and Silver Master and Jim Finnie a Silver Masters.

Alice Moran was the guest speaker. Alice presented a humorous talk, supported by a slide show of her quest to become a Worldloppet Master.  Her talk inspired New Zealanders while loved by the Worldloppet Passport holders as they could see her journey from a different perspective. It was entertaining and she thanked the Worldloppet Family for their inclusion and warmth.

 Merino Muster organizers look forward to presenting Alice with her Worldloppet Masters Certificate at the prize giving after Saturday’s race.

The Merino Muster Organizing Committee are excited for Saturday: Sam Lee’s grooming report from last night is promising: “The course is looking good – It will be hard and fast”