Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s Merino Muster was initially planned as a 42km long-distance race but has been shortened to 22.4km (8 laps of a 2.8km loop) due to adverse weather conditions. The event will once again bring top athletes to the Southern Hemisphere for summer training and competition, including Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern, and local biathlete Campbell Wright. The start lists are available below.

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Merino Muster – First Ski Classics Challengers in New Zealand

Merino Muster has been a landmark event in Wanaka for three decades, combining international participation with strong local traditions. The race is held at Snow Farm and forms part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit once again. This year’s competition will be staged on Saturday, August 30 (Friday night, August 29, in Europe).

Also Read: Challengers Merino Muster this weekend in New Zealand

Join the Merino Muster and ski across the rolling and beautiful Mt. Pisa range on New Zealand’s home of cross-country skiing, Snow Farm NZ. This annual event is a must-do on any cross-country skier’s bucket list. It celebrates the annual mustering of the Merino sheep from the high country at the end of each summer for winter grazing.

Muster

According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the Merino Muster derives its name from the long-standing practice of mustering Merino sheep in the region.

Mustering is the process of herding sheep from the high country down to the valleys for winter grazing. The Snow Farm land was once home to Merino flocks before being retired from farming, and the event helps keep this heritage alive. 

Events for All

Alongside the Challengers race, several shorter distances are offered, making the Merino Muster a festival of cross-country skiing suitable for everyone, from children and beginners to experienced athletes.

More information about the event can be found HERE

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Best Moments of Merino Muster 2024

Video Credits: Louis Greaves

MERINO MUSTER

• Date: August 30, 2025 – Local (August 29, 2025 – Europe)
• Location: Wanaka
• Country: New Zealand
• Distance: 42km Freestyle – shortened to 22.4km due to weather conditions (Ski Classics Challengers event) – shorter events are also available 
• Website: Merino Muster
• Facebook: Merino Muster
• Instagram: Merino Muster
• Registration: Merino Muster

As the Merino Muster 42km race is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for the season 2025/2026 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour or Challengers events, and professional and recreational skiers can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics called MyPages.

MyPages can be connected for free. In the profile, you can view your Ski Classics event results, collect pins, print diplomas, and analyze your results with friends in the SC ranking system. In your profile, you collect points according to your performance and are rewarded with pins and diplomas.

One of the central features of MyPages is that you get your global SC ranking. The SC Ranking is a live updated international ranking, unique in combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers in one single list.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER