Kiwi alpine racers vye for national titles in windy spring conditions at Coronet Peak

The start of spring brought with it high winds to Coronet Peak but despite some challenging conditions and wind holds the Coronet Peak NZ Alpine Skiing Championships went ahead and our kiwi athletes raced for the National Championships titles in Giant Slalom and Slalom against a very strong international field, with 21 nations represented.

Day one of the Championships decided the Giant Slalom National Champions and National Junior Champions (U21s) on the notoriously technical and step 'Hurdle' run at Coronet Peak.

The race win went Storm Andre Hagen of Norway who continue his winning streak after Mt Hutt ANC. Top kiwi was 19-year-old Team Hutt member Toby Jackson, who made it was back-to-back National Championship GS titles ahead of Sam Hadley (22) and Calder Bain (23), both from Wanaka Snowsports Club.

In the women’s race, Arianne Forget of Canada took home gold, with the NZ National GS title going to Alaska Speedy (17) from Wanaka Snowsports Club took with Mathilda Watterson (18) and Charlotte Wiggins (19) taking silver and bronze. It was Alaska’s first NZ National Champion title. She and Toby also took out the National Junior (U21) GS titles.

Day two brought challenging conditions for Slalom on the Pro Am run with strong winds and spring-like snow. In the Men's race, it was a clean sweep of the podium for Great Britain with top spot going to Luca Carrick-Smith ahead of his brothers, Zak and Freddy.

Jesse Mutton (20, Wanaka Snowsports Club) wrapped up his ski racing career on a high taking home the Slalom National Champion title with Calder Bain (23, Wanaka Snowsports) second and Flynn O’Rielly (20, Mt Hutt) third.

In the Women's slalom race the event win went to Aline Danioth from Switzerland with the National title going to Mikayla Smyth (21), who finished 5th overall ahead of Mathilda Watterson and Charlotte Wiggins and Isabel Watterson. All four competitors represent Wanaka Snowsports Club.

Congratulations also to the Overall New Zealand National Champions (combined results from Giant Slalom and Slalom) - Mathilda Watterson and Calder Bain.