The 2025 Snow Sports NZ Adaptive Festival was a celebration of courage, community, and carving up the slopes – bringing together participants from across Aotearoa (and beyond) to experience the magic of the mountains in an inclusive and empowering environment. WHAT A WEEKEND! It was a privilege for seven members of the Halberg team to be part of the festival, supporting whānau and working alongside incredible organisers, volunteers, and staff to create a truly special event. This year brought a big change – with the festival moving from The Remarkables to Cardrona. Thanks to the incredible work of Scott from Snow Sports NZ and Kat from Cardrona, the transition was smooth and seamless, and their mahi didn’t go unnoticed.
Across the three days, families packed in full days of skiing and snowboarding, followed by evenings filled with social activities and plenty of fun off the slopes. From clip and climb and adaptive skateboarding to the fast-paced fun of pickleball, there was something for everyone – and plenty of energy to go around! The Aspiring Gymsports facility was buzzing, and even the cold and dark couldn’t stop participants from having a go and giving it their all.
On the snow, participants were paired with the same volunteers across the entire weekend. These consistent partnerships gave space for trust, laughter, and strong connections to develop – and it made a huge impact. “If I had to pick just one highlight,” one Halberg team member shared, “it would be seeing the strong bonds between our participants and their on-snow volunteers and the flow-on effect that had on their confidence and enjoyment.”
The weekend’s snow activities included personalised one-on-one lessons that helped young people build their skills at their own pave, plus friendly slope races on Sunday that brought out a great mix of competition and celebration. “It was amazing watching people push their limits and enjoy themselves,” said Dylan, who was there capturing the experience on camera. “You could really see people become more confident just by being out there and trying something new.”
The festival also welcomed many new families this year – with several leaving with a new passion and a sense that snow sports is for everybody. “There is a modification for everyone,” one staff member said. “Kat and her amazing team at Cardrona had everyone sorted throughout the weekend. If you’re considering getting involved next time, don’t hesitate to reach out!”
Among the standout memories were Isaac from Sydney, who stood on a snowboard for the first time with support from his volunteer team, and Renzo from Auckland, who returned to the slopes after a fall and later received the bravery award for his resilience. The Adapted Snow Sports NZ Festival was a shining example of what happens when inclusive design, passionate people, and a whole lot of heart come together. From the staff and volunteers to the families and young athletes, it was clear: this is a community where everyone belongs – and where everyone can thrive.
