But watching his sons living out their dream on the other side of the world was something he was never going to miss.
Finley Melville Ives was crowned the FIS men’s freeski halfpipe world champion in Switzerland in the early hours of yesterday.
Days earlier, the Wanaka 18-year-old’s twin brother, Cameron, finished fifth in the snowboard halfpipe world championships.
"Honestly, I am in shock," Finley Melville Ives said.
"I can’t believe I landed my run. I am so hyped. The pipe is so good, I am so thankful the weather is good ... I just can’t believe it, it’s so sick."
Back home, a proud father has been up in the middle of the night, watching the brothers’ performances, and he is still coming to grips with the fact his son is a world champion.
"It’s pretty incredible," Ives said.
"It’s still kind of sinking in because it all happens over there 2am-3am our time.
"Not much sleep over the last few nights — I’m still processing."
He was immensely proud to see both of his sons stepping up and performing on the world stage.
"We’ve always kind of done the same thing, you know, through the years at whatever level we’ve been functioning at, whether it’s at New Zealand national level or over in America.
"But to now be doing it at the elite level, with the best in the world, is pretty incredible."
Finley Melville Ives, whose mother, Karen, and his support staff are with him overseas, is Wanaka’s third world champion in as many weeks.
"It’s mind-blowing," Ives said.
"For a little town like Wanaka to have, you know, so many people, not just the guys now that are doing it, but ... Jossi [Wells] and all those guys, and Nico [Porteous].
"The steady stream of talent coming out of Wanaka is incredible, you know."
It was a credit to the world-class facilities and support networks in the Central Otago town, he said.
Yesterday, in Switzerland, Melville Ives put down arguably one of the best runs landed in a freeski halfpipe competition on his first run.
He began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety.
The judges were just as impressed as the crowd and commentators, awarding Melville Ives a huge score of 96.00, cementing his spot at the top.
The other 11 athletes, including fellow Kiwi Luke Harrold, had just one run left to try to beat Melville Ives’ score. Despite their best efforts, no-one was able to overtake him and the new world champion took a victory lap on his final run.
Decorated United States slopestyle athlete turned halfpipe skier Nick Goepper finished second, and double Olympic halfpipe medallist Alex Ferreira, of the United States, was third.
Melville Ives was thrilled to share the podium with Goepper and Ferreira.
"They’re both my idols, so I honestly can’t believe it. I’m so stoked to share the podium with them," Melville Ives said.
Harrold, 16, of Lake Hāwea, finished fourth after being bumped out of a podium position by Goepper in run two.
Harrold still made history by landing the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 in competition during his second run.
Auckland skier Mischa Thomas, 17, finished ninth in the women’s freeski halfpipe at her first major international event.
