Organisers of the fifth Audi Quattro Winter Games say entries are pouring in from around the world and "lots" are still to come.
The games will take place at Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, Snow Farm NZ, Naseby Maniototo international curling rink, the Remarkables skifield and Coronet Peak ski area from August 25 to September 10.
Media manager George Berry said athletes from Germany, China, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Estonia, Netherlands, Argentina, Latvia, Canada, Belgium and Japan had entered.
"Big names" entered so far were skier Kelly Sildaru, from Estonia, and skier and snowboarder Anna Gasser, from Austria. In cross-country, the United States, Australian and Korean teams looked tough to beat so far. Opening day on August 25 has been timed to coincide with Daffodil Day, the main fundraising day for the Cancer Society, the game’s charity partner this year.
Winter Olympic, Paralympic and X Games stars will be competing in freestyle skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling and ice hockey events.
The games are one of the last major qualifying events for the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February.
