Local means anyone who can come regularly to the Snow Farm.
Locals' programmes are held at the Snow Farm. The programme lets you organise the day , you and / or your friends can come and spend with us at the Snow Farm. An instructor will teach you just want part of this sport you want.
They are lessons based around Nordic skiing Skills, Friendship, Fun and gaining some Fitness or retaining mobility and fitness. The programmes are modified to suit the level of skier.
It is an excellent way to met new people who enjoy the out doors. Many lasting friendships have been made through the locals' programmes. If you have a friend to enrol with it is a great way to grow in the sport together or if you don’t know any one you will soon get to know other people.
In the programme we asses your ability on the first day and it really doesn’t matter what your ability is or whether you are a fast or slow learner. We cope with everyone
The first days' programme starts when you arrive with a complimentary Venus Coffee and a bite to eat before fitting skis. We then put you into groups devote a little extra special attention to you when you need it.
On the first day check in at the Ski desk before going upstairs for coffee.
We start teaching classic skiing: your skis are in the grooves (made by the groomer). The grooves are like inverted railway tracks and you ski in a walking motion. You soon learn to glide and use a third of the energy of walking (so they say anyway). Some people take days which is no problem and others are away in no time at all. At this point you can decide if you want to learn to ski skate. A totally different ski boot and ski and technique. It is very like ice-skating so for those skaters out there it is a natural progression.
If you have been to a previous session or sessions make sure we know and what it is that you would like to learn. Enjoy the options.
You will get fitter so if you want to use the programme as a starting base that's OK but don’t do too much on your first day. Alternatively ask Pete at the Physique or the guys at Proactive to design a fitness programme for you.
The Merino Muster is a race very like a citizen running race where elite and beginners met on the same playing field. (Only the elite leave first and are seldom seen by the beginner skiers again). If you aspire or if a friend or partner talks you into it “give it go” and challenge yourself to ski the 7 km or even the 21km event. There is nothing more rewarding than that medal around your neck at the finish. After any event you hear people say how hard or grueling it was but I have always found that's a measure of the goals set by that person. You ski 7kms most days in fun without realising it. People I speak to and even myself who biked the Contact Epic 125 km found it enjoyable because my goal's are to complete an event. The Muster challenge on the Sundays will prepare you for the event.
Biathlon is skiing and shooting. This is likened to playing golf. It gives skiing that added attraction and some extra goals (or just a break to gather your breath & chill out for a bit)
The range will have new targets this winter. Sarah Murphy, NZ’s biathlete (a Caniwi) is in New Zealand for the winter and will contribute to promoting biathlon and helping masters and beginners to have a go. There are also laser rifles if you don’t like the real thing.
If feel you just can’t leave your kids behind we have pulks (baby sleds) to tow the kids. It sounds tough but the kids go straight to sleep and you can just park the sled and ski around the base area in sight of the pulk.
On Monday & Friday mornings a group specially designed for local runners. Nordic skiing will prevent the stress and strains on joints caused by over use. Running in particular has a habit of creating long term injuries from too much running. Why not take advantage of our excellent coaches and enjoy a cross training sport. Skis boots etc and instruction are all included in the price. You don’t need a new set of clothes. Layers of running clothes with a windproof outer is all you need. You can stay all day or just work out in the mornings and be back in town to pick up the kids or back to work.
Want a challenge to keep those old joints moving. Keep your range of movement with Nordic skiing. It puts no additional weight or stress on your joints so you don’t have worry about damaging your body. It is highly recommended as an arthritis treatment.
We are looking for adaptive skiers to ski in the Winter Games. There are many partially sighted, paraplegics and skiers with other disabilities from other countries who ski at the Snow Farm. We have Olympic medal winners so join them, recommend to anyone you know who could give it a go.
We have two sit skis for paraplegics- there is nothing more exhilarating for them to join in activities with able bodied friends.
If you would like to bring your children along do so, as they can play on skis or just in the snow. We can get you a baby sitter if we know in advance. On Saturday Mini Merinos are a happening thing. Kids as young as three were skiing the 2 km loops without complaining. Ray O’Brien Mini merino coordinator has a great way with young people being a father himself. The kids love the programme.
Light layers are perfect. Similar to the school track suit materials. The weather at Snow farm tends to be different weather patterns to Cardrona Alpine Resorts particularly, the wind from some directions is not as strong and the area is sunnier. Using multilayers is ideal. If you like shopping for new clothes we have suitable cross country ski clothes on the hill for sale. Bike gear is the really suitable.
The ski boots are comfortable and light similar to running shoes in design. The skis are light and easy to attach the binding and boots. Poles should be just under your arm pits although on your first day ask for them to be a size down as it does help to get you going.
Don’t let this stop you from coming. Call us and we will be able to suggest people to get a ride with or a bus from Wanaka or Queenstown
Phone Winter only 03 4437542 03 4439729 (evenings) or 021766910 anytime