Waiorau Snowgaine 2026

We are excited to announce we have a date for the Waiorau Snowgaine 2026. Snow Farm has had a great start to their season this year, so we are hopeful that will mean there's a good base of snow and maybe a few late season snow falls to give us a proper winter ski orienteering experience!

The Snowgaine is a rogaine with a twist. Teams navigate for 2 or 5 hours to locate as many checkpoints as they can in their chosen time. Competitors can use ski touring gear, snow shoes or cross country skis - the choice is yours! The event is based from the Snow farm and will cover some of the ski trails as well as some awesome backcountry terrain up on the Pisa range.  Competitors need to carry a backpack with spare warm clothes (see gear list) and enough food and drink for 2 or 5 hours exercise.

This event is suitable for all ages and abilities and is very family friendly. We have even had competitors tow their zero year olds around the course in a pulk! We will have a range of courses to cater for children, families and beginner adults. 

After collecting your map you will have some planning time to figure out which checkpoints you are planning. You can go as far you want, or just aim to stick on the nearer trails. Controls are worth different amounts (with the tens number in the control indicating it's value ie - 86 = 80 points).  

Event Schedule

Sunday 6th September 

8:30 am - Registration and map handout opens for 5 hour event

9:20am - 5 hour event briefing

9:30 am - 5 hour event starts

11:30am - Registration and map handout opens for 2 hour event

12:20pm - 2 hour event briefing

12:30pm - 2 hour event start*

2:30pm - 2 hour and 5 hour event finish

3:00pm - prize giving 

3:30pm - depart snowfarm

*If teams entering the 2 hour want to start earlier this can be arranged by emailing remarkables.orienteering@gmail.com. 

Compulsory Gear

(Per Competitor)

Thermal top and bottom

Waterproof jacket and overtrousers

Warm hat and gloves

Fleece/ insulated jacket

(Per Team)

1 x cell phone

1 x first aid kit

Compass

Further Info

How do I get there?

Located high on the Pisa Range, the Snow Farm is accessed from the Cardrona Valley Road which connects Wanaka and Queenstown.  The road up to Snow Farm is not sealed but is suitable for most vehicles including 2WD cars.

All vehicles travelling to Snow Farm must carry chains in their car in the event it has or is snowing and the road conditions are such that chains must be fitted. Signage on the road will indicate where you should fit chains. These signs are there for your protection and must be obeyed. 

Map scale 1:15000. Contour interval: 10m 

Entries

We will post the Entry Forms HERE as soon as we can. 

Pricing

Please note that our pricing does not include the Snow Farm Trail Pass or Gear Hire. You will need to purchase a Trail Pass (or be a season pass holder) to enter the event. These can be purchased through https://snowfarm.nz/. We may be able to offer a discount on trail passes if you are participating in our event - details to come shortly.