The annual Parklife Invitational Rail Jam, which this year coincides with the official opening of the 2011 Winter Games NZ, traditionally attracts thousands of spectators, and will be held at Earnslaw Park on Friday night.
Up to 30 invited freestyle skiers and riders will bust out their best tricks while competing for prize money from a cash pool of $5000.
A stair feature will be built on Earnslaw Park, covered by snow trucked down from the Remarkables.
Remarkables Ski Area manager Ross Lawrence said excitement was building.
"Everyone up the mountain, from our Parklife team riders to members of the terrain park crew, are buzzing as they prepare for this.
"This is one of Queenstown's major downtown events.
"The atmosphere's always epic as onlookers enjoy a winter spectacular in the heart of the resort, while skiers and riders play up to the crowds and put on a fantastic show."
In the men's snowboarding division, well-known names to look out for include Nick Brown, Nick Hyne, Mahi Mains and Hamish Bagley, while skiers Byron Wells, Matt Soundy and Adie Lawrence are also sure to put on a good show.
Fans would also be able to get up close and personal with some of the world's best snowboarders from Thirtytwo team, which is on a New Zealand tour.
JP Walker, Chris Grenier, Simon Chamberlain, Joe Sexton, Scott Stevens, Ben Bilocq and Jake Kyzyk comprise the Thirtytwo team.
Food and beverage stalls and tunes from DJ Turbohag would keep the crowds pumping, while the Parklife Team strutted its stuff alongside some of New Zealand's top skiers and riders.
"The Parklife Invitational is a great event for all the family," Mr Lawrence said.
"It brings some of the country's best freestyle talent into town where everyone can see what they do."
• The Parklife Invitational Rail Jam begins at 5.30pm, with the first competitors riding from 6pm onwards.
The event will finish about 9.30pm. It is free to all spectators, with an after-party at Subculture.
The official Winter Games opening ceremony will be held at 7.15pm.
