Merino Muster
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About the race
The Merino Muster is New Zealand’s longest-running cross-country ski marathon, first held in 1995. The race takes place at Snow Farm, a dedicated cross-country ski area located at about 1,500 metres in the Cardrona Valley near Wanaka. It is a Worldloppet event and welcomes domestic and international participants.
The event draws on the high-country farming history of the area; many current trails follow old farm and sheep-mustering routes across ridgelines and valleys. The race name refers to the Merino sheep that once grazed these hills and to the mustering routes that shaped much of the terrain now used for skiing.
Racing formats offered at the event include:
- 42 km Merino Muster
- 21 km Snow Rake
- 5 km Snow Farmer
- Mini Merino for younger participants
Accommodation and transport options are packaged around Wanaka, including a Wanaka hotel and transport package. The Snow Farm facility provides ski hire and race-day support. The Merino Muster is typically held in late August or early September, usually about one week after the Kangaroo Hoppet. The event combines a competitive marathon format with a focus on place, heritage and the cross-country skiing community. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
