With heaps of events in the wings, the New Zealand 2011 ski and snowboard season is well and truly ready to go. Renowned for extreme sports and crazy activities, the country’s winter events live up to New Zealand’s reputation: from snowboard championships to skiing in fancy dresses; from XXL events for the little ones to Queenstown’s Gay Ski Week – New Zealand is sure to have something on offer for each and everyone of you! Make sure you mark the following biggies in your diary, and check out the regional pages for more events.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival 24 Jun – 3 Jul 2011, Queenstown (www.winterfestival.co.nz) This legendary winter party sets Queenstown alight in a ten-day frenzy of concerts, competitions, races, fireworks, bands, comedy, food and wine.

Mountain Mardi Gras 25 Jun 2011, Ohakune (www.ohakune-mardigras.co.nz) Celebrate the beginning of winter as the streets of Ohakune come alive with music, rides, stalls and entertainment.

Nelson Winter Music Festival 8 – 24 Jul 2011, Nelson (http://www.itson.co.nz/2011/1422-the-nelson-winter-festival) Heaps of shows and concerts at the Nelson School of Music.

Base Triple Comp 16 Jul 2011, Treble Cone (http://www.treblecone.com/news-and-events/events-article.asp?id=25) Three events in one jam-packed day of banked slalom, freeriding and off-piste action.

Gay Ski Week NZ 23 – 31 Jul 2011, Queenstown (www.gayskiweeknz.com) The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest gay alpine party! Plenty of mountain activities, group dinners and creative night-time events.

Burton NZ Open 2 – 6 Aug 2011, Wanaka (www.opensnowboarding.com) The definitive snowboarding event of the season, held at Cardrona Alpine Resort, home to the only 22” superpipe in New Zealand – the same size that featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Riders will have the chance to earn points towards championship titles.

The North Face Peak 2 Peak 6 Aug 2011, Queenstown (http://www.southerntraverse.com/peak2peak/EventInfo/concept.asp) Competitors battle each other and the elements as they ski/snowboard, bike, kayak and run from The Remarkables Ski Area to Coronet Peak.

Bacardi Cup Fancy Dress Race 6 Aug 2011, Hanmer Springs (http://www.skihanmer.co.nz/events.htm) Mountain fun in fancy dress at Hanmer Springs Ski Area.

Ben Ohoo Highland Games 13 Aug 2011, Ohau Snow Fields (www.ohau.co.nz) Pipes, haggis and tartans – this Scottish event is a blast.

Soul Surf & Skate Snow Jam 20 Aug 2011, Roundhill Ski Area  (http://www.roundhill.co.nz/roundhill-events.php) Slopestyle competition for skiers and riders.

100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games 13 – 28 Aug 2011, various (www.wintergamesnz.com)  16-day international winter sports comp with events covering everything from giant slalom, adaptive snow sports and triathlons to curling, ice skating, snowboard big air and freeskiing.

Methven Big Air 27 Aug 2011, Mt Hutt (http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/realnzfestival/events/78-methven-big-air) Backflips, turn-downs and more stunts at a great FMX rider competition followed by fireworks and music.

Wanaka Sled Dog Festival 29 – 31 Aug 2011, Snow Farm NZ (http://www.snowfarmnz.com/index.cfm/Events) All manner of sled dog races held at Snow Farm NZ.

The One And Only Snow Ball 10 Sep 2011, Ohau Snow Fields (www.ohau.co.nz) This fancy dress party has become an iconic snow event!

Peak 2 Pub 15 Oct 2011, Mt Hutt (http://www.amazingspace.co.nz/amazing/PeakToPub/#2011) Ski or snowboard, mountain bike and run from the slopes of Mt Hutt to the iconic Blue Pub in Methven.