Guntis Rekis (35) was a member of the Latvian luge team at the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and is currently holidaying in New Zealand.
He has been confirmed as the resident coach in Naseby this season, and may be joined by last year's import, Greg Jones, of Canada.
New Zealand Olympic Luge Association president Geoff Balme said Rekis would help with all aspects of the Naseby ice luge, including a training camp scheduled for July 5-9.
About 20 people had already registered for the camp, which had capacity for about 40, Balme said.
Rekis had competed as a luger since 1997, won two bronze medals in the mixed team event at the world luge championships in 2008 and 2009, and earned his best finish of 21st in the men's singles event in Turin in 2006.
He competed for Latvia at the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
"He wanted to come to New Zealand for a working holiday, and his work permit has been approved, so he's going to be in Naseby all winter," Balme said.
Jones may also coach at the Naseby facility during July and August, although that had yet to be confirmed, Balme said.
The Canadian luger spent last winter in Naseby, working and coaching at the luge.
Balme hoped to open the luge at the end of May, ahead of Queen's Birthday Weekend in June.
He said exact timing would be weather-dependent, and it was hoped ice could start to be made about May 19.
"We are hoping the temperatures will be cool enough by then," he said.
Lighting may also be installed around the luge to extend operating hours, although that was dependent on funding, he said.
Initial dates set for the season included the Naseby Ice Festival on July 10, followed by the first of three Naseby Cup races on July 11.
The second and third Naseby Cup races were scheduled for July 31 and August 28 respectively, in between which the New Zealand luge championships would take place on August 14 and 15.
Balme hoped the season would last through to September 12, although that would also be weather-dependent, he said.
