The Ski Classics Challengers event Merino Muster is a long-distance race in freestyle technique taking place this Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Wanaka, New Zealand.
Merino Muster is a long-distance skiing event held in Wanaka, celebrating its 30th edition this year, and for another year as a Ski Classics Challengers event, on Saturday, August 30 (Friday, August 29, in Europe).
Best Moments of Merino Muster 2024
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), mustering is the process of herding sheep to specific locations. The Snow Farm land was home to the Merino Sheep prior to being retired from grazing.
The sheep are mustered from the high country in May to graze on the lower country during the winter months. The Merino Muster is keeping the tradition.
Events for All
There are many events to choose from on race day, depending on fitness and experience (or age)—fun for all the family, from the dedicated skier to the total novice.
More information about the event can be found HERE
MERINO MUSTER
- Date: August 30, 2025 – Local (August 29, 2025 – Europe)
- Location: Wanaka
- Country: New Zealand
- Distance: 42km Freestyle – shortened to 22.4km – 8 laps of 2.8km – due to lack of snow (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.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photo: Merino Muster
