The North Island Speed Ski Championships is definitely on. Dates are confirmed as Wed 15th - Sat 17th August. We have the Sun 18th to Thu 22nd, as bad weather days.

To date, the Department of Conservation has denied groomer access to the Glacier. Tongariro is currently going through a "Management Plan Review" due to this we must stay within the current regulations. Application has been made for a Plan Change too allow access outside ski area boundary at a later date.

This will basically mean more manpower. With the race being held in August we anticipate rather hard conditions (not necessarily ideal) but certainly workable. All efforts will be put into the Glacier course. We will be prepping the course from August the 11th on. All helpers are welcome. Due to no snow groomers the runnout will be scrutinized closely, the top speeds may be restricted due to this. 170 - 180 Kph is still well achievable. The NZ record is 173.070Kph set at The Remarkables in 1987.

As a backup, (bad weather or conditions needing groomers), Ruapehu Alpine Lifts have agreed to provide the Raceline course. This course has a current record of 154.85 Kph, Set by Russell Baunton. This course will make up the upper and mid sections of the FIS downhill being held in September, it is expected the course will be in a much better condition than in the past. If this course is used a speed of approx. 165 - 175Kph is anticipated.

We are approaching this year as the revival of speed skiing in New Zealand, from here the event can only get better. The New Zealand Speed Skiing Assoc. and Ruapehu Alpine lifts are committed to the long-term goal of the fastest speed ski event Downunder.