Winter Carnival

What is believed to be the biggest central city ski jump in New Zealand will be set up in Christchurch's Cathedral Square for Montana Winter Carnival next month (4 - 13 August).

Equivalent to a five-storey building in height and made with scaffolding and snow from local ski areas, the jump will be used by competitors in the New Zealand Big Air Championships to launch themselves as high as possible.

Skiers and snowboarders from overseas are expected for the festival-opening event on Friday 4 August, providing intense competition for Kiwi freestylers.

The next day a Big Air Expo will be held to start one of the carnival's feature events, the Winter Extreme Games. The games also include inline skating and stunt biking.

Not everything, however, will focus on the young and the brave. There will be a Winter Wonderland for families; a Parade of Lights and the Mayor's Variety Extravaganza charity ball.

The Heart Foundation will receive funds raised. Last year Christchurch Winter Carnival Trust raised $23,000 for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. Programmes are available now.

Contact festival manager Andrew O'Loughlin on 365 2352 or andrew@wintercarnival.org.nz for more information.