While summer peaks in Europe, New Zealand is experiencing a winter wonderland. At the renowned Snow Farm NZ, half a meter of quality snow lies on the ground, attracting skiers from around the globe to the legendary Merino Muster. Few know that behind the perfect tracks is a Czech groomer.

Snow Farm NZ is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters in the picturesque Cardrona Valley, near the towns of Wanaka and Queenstown. It is the only specialized center for cross-country skiing in New Zealand, regularly hosting national teams from around the world during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.

The trails wind through the rolling landscape of the Pisa Range, many following old pastures and shepherding paths. This year, Snow Farm boasts truly royal conditions, with a stable base of 50 cm of snow.

This weekend, the Merino Muster cross-country race, a Ski Classics Challengers event, is set to take place there. The forecast promises substantial snowfall on Saturday, so if it holds true, competitors will face a challenging race.

Also Read: Countdown to the Ski Classics Challengers event Merino Muster 2026

Grooming on the other side of the World

A Czech influence can also be found in these lands, where groomer Martin Křižovič travels from Vysočina during the summer months. He shares his extraordinary story on his authentic blog Kiwi Groomer, where he humorously describes the realities of life and work as a snow groomer in New Zealand’s highlands.

In the Czech Republic, Martin has extensive experience in trail grooming (including in Vysočina). He first ventured to New Zealand in 2025 on a Working Holiday Visa, and after a great experience with the New Zealand management, he was called back by the resort manager Sam for the 2026 season—right in the demanding second half of winter, when the resort prepares for the year’s main events.

However, the journey to the New Zealand groomer’s cabin was not without obstacles. Obtaining a New Zealand Work Visa required undergoing complete medical examinations, lung X-rays, and complicated documentation of professional qualifications—from the Czech groomer’s license and driver’s licenses for groups C+E to a special presentation of his previous work. This was all compounded by tense moments during airport transfers and last-minute transit visa arrangements.

Despite the separation from family and long night shifts in harsh mountain conditions, Martin’s blog clearly shows that passion for the craft knows no borders.

Thanks to his Czech precision and experience from domestic mountains, competitors at this year’s Merino Muster are guaranteed conditions of the highest world standard.

Merino Muster 2026

This weekend, Snow Farm hosts the pinnacle of the Southern Hemisphere season—the 31st edition of the Merino Muster, which is part of the prestigious Ski Classics Challengers series and Worldloppet.

The race refers to the traditional autumn gathering of Merino sheep from highland pastures and offers courses for everyone:

• 42 km Merino Muster: The main course for long-distance skiers.
• 21 km Snow Rake: A half-distance but still very challenging profile.
• 5 km Snow Farmer & 1 km Mini Merino: Races for families, children, and recreational skiers.

Read More: Top 5 destinations for summer training camps

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