NZ skiers to get offshore support

A dream to raise the levels reached by New Zealand skiers in international competitions has been given a boost, thanks to some generous support from the United States and Canada.

When former United States businessman James Lazor was appointed as Snow Sports New Zealand alpine director, he was told by the United States and Canadian alpine ski teams he, and New Zealand skiers trying to achieve in alpine racing's elite levels, had their support.

Lazor and the head coach of the United States men's ski team, Sasha Rearick, have worked out ways for promising New Zealand skiers to benefit from skills and infrastructure available to larger teams.

"The United States ski team already comes here [to Coronet Peak] to train each winter," Lazor said.

When Rearick said he would be happy to offer support, Lazor made the most of the opportunity.

The Canadian team told him, "you're a small nation and if we can help, ask", Lazor said.

That has lead to a new level of co-operation, with the North Americans having much experience on their side.

"They have huge resources," Lazor said.

"Infrastructure that we just can't afford. When I looked at this job in February, I took a big hard look at a lot of things to do, improve on."

One of those things was to encourage talented young athletes to stay in ski racing longer, giving them time to mature.

Many stay in the sport until they reach university age and then stop, Lazor said.

Elite New Zealand skiers Tim Cafe and Ben Griffin could have careers stretching beyond the 2014 Winter Olympics - many skiers in the United States teams were in their late 20s and early 30s, Lazor said.

"Many parents out there probably don't want to hear this, but we have to get our young athletes continuing for longer."

Maturity meant skiers were better organised, had competed in more races and knew that if they had a bad run one year, they could get back to top form.

Lazor hoped the experience of training alongside the American teams and their coaches would encourage more dedication, for longer.

The offered support can also continue over the New Zealand summer.

Many skiers and snowboarders already go north to train and compete.

Another advantage of having top American coaches will be the "outsider's view" on potential future skiers.

Those skiers are an important part of Lazor's plan to develop a strong, if small, New Zealand presence in alpine ski racing.

"The goal . . . is to have [skiers] race longer term, and the US programme will develop some of these athletes."

Over the next year, Lazor is looking to get Cafe and Griffin to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and has sought the advice of the United States coaches to get them qualified more quickly through a better programme of international competitions.

He also organised an evening for the teams to meet at Amisfield winery, which allowed the younger New Zealand skiers to meet top competitors such as Tommy Ford and Tim Kelley.