Some of the world's top skiers will be available to meet fans at Coronet Peak this weekend during the ski area's Kids Day Out.
Members of the New Zealand, United States, Canadian and Japanese ski teams will be available to pose for photographs and sign posters and ski gear from noon on Sunday, which was a "fantastic opportunity" for ski fans to meet World Cup and Olympic medal holders and champions, Coronet Peak head of race and events Richard Murphy said.
"These are all highly tuned athletes at the very top of their game and they're delighted to meet Queenstown locals and ski area visitors to say 'thanks' for the support they've received here over the past few weeks."
Included in the line-up will be United States team members Bode Miller, Ted Ligety, Marco Sullivan, Andrew Weibrecht, Lindsey Vonn, Resi Steigler, Julia Mancuso and Hailey Duke, along with Canadian Mike Janyk and New Zealanders Ben Griffin and Tim Cafe.
"We'll literally have some of the best male and female alpine ski racers on the planet signing autographs for all.
"They've been hard at work training on Coronet Peak's designated race-training area and have loved the conditions we've had and the snow-injection system we use, which makes the runs hard and consistent, which is what they need," Mr Murphy said.
Training at Coronet marked the beginning of the athletes' World Cup preparations, on what was regarded as "the world's best training arena".
"They love coming back to Coronet Peak and Queenstown year after year, not only because of the facilities on the ski area but because they are given a typically warm Kiwi welcome while they're here," Mr Murphy said.
Coronet Peak's Kids Day Out will be held from noon to 3pm with free face painting, live entertainment, a treasure hunt and giveaways for the children.
The athletes will be available at the Coronet Peak ski deck area from noon.
