Biggest cross-country skiing race in New Zealand is returning
On September 3rd it is time again for cross-country skiing action in New Zealand: The Merino Muster is going to take place again with an international starting field. The OC is thrilled and has sent this letter of invitation to all Worldloppet skiers.
“We are all very excited to have the return of our International ski friends who we have missed due to the closure of our borders. Earlier it looked as though only Australians and returning NZers would be permitted to enter but the entry rules are now much broader and we will again have all manner of interesting accents and languages being spoken at our international welcome dinner and prize giving for all the cross-country skiing competitors.
Local Hero Wright on the starting line of Merino Muster 2022
There is also a very special element to this season as with Campbell Wright we will have a new home grown Olympian who developed his skills at the Snow Farm. He is also our first male Biathlon Winter Olympian. In the past we have had three female Winter Olympians and one male but they all had mainly N. Hemisphere bases rather than the Snow Farm. It is a very important inspiration for all our Juniors who will be starting their own long distance skiing experiences and possibly careers this year at the Merino Muster.
All the pre season work has been completed and we have a good stock of medals, pins and bibs ready for everyone’s arrival. There will also be a small toy sheep to take home once you have proved yourself as a Merino Musterer. We have also been busy building a new 36 bed School, but sadly the facilities at the Lodge have been much reduced by our landlord due to Covid constraints. It will not prevent us acting as your hosts and working with you to make the race the special entry into NZ that we try to provide you with.
Virtual alternative for those who can’t make it to New Zealand
We are also providing a virtual race starting 27th of May to help get you fit for the winter or summer sports and give you the opportunity to earn your Musterer title without skiing in New Zealand in person. This will allow you to become a Musterer even if you are unable to join us in person this year. It can be completed in stages, the total distance of all our events is 85kms. You can fit the stages to suit your available time and 50% of the entry fee will go to the Worldloppet effort helping the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.
To become a Musterer you need to complete the distance of all five races. This will not be hard as you can add your bike rides, roller skis, runs or other chosen activity. To reach the total of the five events – 42km Merino Muster, 21 km Snow Rake, 14km Double fleece, 7km Straggle Muster 1 km Mini Merino is 85Km. You can do just one of the events if you prefer. There will be the opportunity to become a multiple Musterer and a prize for the person who records the most kilometres. There will also be spot prizes drawn from the finishers.
What is a Musterer?
It is New Zealand’s term for a shepherd and during May & early June they are busy mustering the sheep from the mountain tops to bring them down to the sheltered valleys for the winter. It is a very important part of our history and especially the South Island.
For those intending to join us in September for our on snow events please act quickly as accommodation in Wanaka is in very short supply and we do not want you to miss the chance to complete a cross-country skiing race in New Zealand after a such a long period that we have been out of reach. Accommodation help go to email [email protected]
We really want to see you all again.
Merino Muster”
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