More than 2000 people attended the official opening of Winter Games NZ at Earnslaw Park in Queenstown last night.
The event was officially opened by Minister of Major Events Development David Carter.
"A 100% unmissable snow action by day and 100% unmissable party action by night, and it all happens here over the next 16 days," he said of the games.
Stalls selling wine, food and clothing were set up around the park, but the snowboarders competing in the rail jam were the main drawcard.
Flag-bearer Cameron Day, representing New Zealand in the cross-ski event, said it was a "dream come true" to be competing alongside some of the world's best ski and snowboarding athletes.
Earlier in the day, international and local media and top-ranked snowsports athletes converged at Queenstown's Prime Restaurant for the Winter Games official media launch.
The event's chief executive, Arthur Klapp, said this year's games would be bigger and better than its debut in 2009.
"For 2011 we've stepped it up. We think we've improved the product for the athletes," he said.
Australian competitor Nathan Johnstone, ranked world No 1 in snowboard halfpipe, said New Zealand skifield facilities were far superior to those in his home country.
"It's a really good training ground for people to come and ride in," Johnstone said.
United States-based Gus Kenworthy, world No 1 in free skiing, sang the event's praises.
"I think that it will keep getting bigger and bigger and, with the inclusion of free skiing in the Olympics, I think people will definitely recognise New Zealand for the force to be reckoned with that they are."
- Olivia Caldwell
