Merino Muster Events
30th August 2025
With 4 different courses, the Merino Muster Cross-Country Ski race has an event for all ski levels and abilities. Choose from our 42km, 21km, 5km and Mini Merino distances. All events are freestyle technique, with classic tracks provided for classic skiers.
Enter individually or as a team on our shorter courses. Schools can also enter our School Challenge on our 5km course.
Visiting from overseas? Make sure you read about our international visitor package below.
More Event Information
Welcome Dinner - 28th August 2025
Dinner: Informal evening dinner.
5:30 Seated for traditional welcome at 5:45 - Last year's highlight
Meet 2025 Merino Muster participants, locals, volunteers and visitors.
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre
Race Day - 30th August 2025
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Race day: Snow Farm NZ
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Prize Giving: Lake Wanaka Centre from 4 pm
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Dinner: Lake View Seafood Restaurant Buffet - Book now and pay at the Restaurant
Grooming
Only the course will be groomed and exits from the course will be marked either with ropes or v-boards. It will be the only course groomed and have skate and classic tracks.
Marshalls.
There will be marshalls at the key junctions.
Race Technique
All events are freestyle technique, with classic tracks provided for classic skiers.
Saturday Bus
Leaves the Wanaka Hotel at 7 am Booking essential
Waxing Service
Snow Farm offers a race waxing service. Please book on the Snow Farm website or join the Waiorau Nordic Ski Club for $30 Join Now
Ski Hire
Snow Farm has ski hire options but please book through Snow Farm. There are no other hire options.
Book on the Snow Farm website.
Trail Passes
No trail pass needed on race day for race entrants. A trail pass is needed to ski in race week. Purchase an Entry Package for the best value during race week.
Bus Race Day Departs Departure TBA
Bookings are essential for the race day bus, it is included in the International ski package but you must confirm if you wish to use the bus. Bus tickets are available in the shop on the entry website.
Mountain Facilities Food etc
Snow Farm has the Polar Espresso Cafe with coffee pastries and pies. BBQ on race day
Worldloppet Passports
Stamping & Purchase of passports will be available after the event on the mountain and at the prize-giving.