THE EVENT

We truly appreciate your support for the Peak 2 Powderkeg 2024. However, after careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s competition.

Looking ahead, we are excited to plan for a successful Peak 2 Powderkeg in 2025. We are dedicated to bringing back the event at full capacity for the next winter season. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Race Date:  2025! 

The Peak 2 Powderkeg is an iconic four stage adventure race from the top of Tūroa Ski Area to the Powderkeg bar at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. Now in its 30th year, it’s a race steeped in history, fun and competition. Participants can enter as individuals or in teams of three (at least one female per team) to complete the stages:

  • Ski from top to bottom of the ski area
  • 4.8km downhill run on the sealed Ohakune Mountain Road
  • 11.5km downhill bike on sealed Ohakune Mountain Road, followed by short 300m dash run and beer/lemonade scull.

The event is followed by a BBQ and prize giving at the Powderkeg.

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

Click here to register

Peak to Powderkeg

Details

Saturday 5th October, 2024

CATEGORIES & ENTRY FEES 2025

  • Youth (16 & Under): $99
  • Open Men (17 years +): $129
  • Open Women (17 years +): $129
  • Team (must include at least one female): $199

Fees include a BBQ hosted at Powderhorn Chateau after the race. All entrants must have one support person per individual/team entry. Supporters’ barbecue tickets can be bought for $35 during event registration on the website. Even if you’re not taking part in the race, join us for a fun evening!

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS

There is a compulsory bike and helmet inspection.
If you are in Ohakune prior we strongly advise you to collect your bib on Friday evening from TCB Ski Board & Bike (29 Ayr Street, Ohakune) from 2:00PM-6:00PM. They will be undertaking safety checks for bikes and helmets (both ski/board and bike) and checking that all participants have signed the waiver. All competitors under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present to sign the waiver on their behalf. There will also be the option to rent a bike from TCB Ski Board & Bike at this time. There will be limited availability for bib collection and safety checks on Race Day from 7:00AM-11:00AM at TCB Board & Bike. Only register on the day of the race if you have no option.
All TCB forms must be completed and signed.  Bike and helmets must be stickered by TCB.
No inspection – no entry
Bike drop off at 11.5km from 2pm

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE

From 06:30am    Updates available on Tūroa Snow Report
14:00    Bike drop off at 11.5km Chain fitting/Parking bays
15:30    Racer briefing in front of trail sign trail sign in the Plaza
16:15   All Competitors need to catch the lifts up
17:15    Open Men start
17:20    Open Women start
17:25    Youth start
17:30    Teams start

All competitors must meet the time frames above in order to compete. Racer briefing is compulsory.

 

EVENT DAY – WILL IT RUN?!

We will contact participants directly if there will be any change to the running of the event. You can also check out our Peak 2 Keg Facebook page for the latest information. If we are unable to hold the ski/board part of the race we will endeavour to create an alternative first leg; if no alternative is available, the event may proceed with only the run, bike and dash/scull legs. Make sure to read our Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions before you complete your purchase.

REGISTER

Registrations Open Now!!!!

Click here to register

Snow Stage

The ski/snowboard course runs from the top of the highest point possible on the day (weather dependent) to the Tūroa Plaza, adjacent to the Alpine Café. Entrants start in groups (5 minutes apart) in a Le Mans style.

The course with be starting with a sprint to your gear along the traverse to Big Bowl, followed by ski/board past the Giant Café, down upper freeway, Boneyard, Wintergarden and Clarry’s Track. Entrants must follow the blue lines to stay inside the course. The course is subject to change on the day.

Team Athletes must hand over their team bib before the second athlete can commence the Run Course.

Individual Athletes have a designated area to change into running gear. We recommend having a plastic box with running shoes and leaving your snow gear. Each individual competitor must have a Support Person to retrieve snow stage clothing and equipment once the final athlete has cleared the area.

Skiers and Riders need to be of an advanced riding ability able to confidently and safely manage up to a Black run without assistance.

Run Stage: 4.8km

Starting at Tūroa Plaza, the run stage follows the Ohakune Mountain Road down to the 11.5km bay. The course has a steep gradient as it leaves Tūroa’s main carpark and mellows out towards the transition zone. Marshals will guide athletes to the correct bike racks.

We recommend individual athletes have their bike helmet attached to their bike ready to put on.

Bike/Scull Stage: 11.5km

Athletes follow the Ohakune Mountain Road to Thames Street, Ohakune. The gradient allows free-wheeling almost all the way to the Big Dipper at the 4.7km mark. There are a couple of very steep sections that require all athletes to slow down, in particular Rimu Hill, at the 7.4km mark.

As athletes pass under the railway bridge, they need to slow down before rounding the left hand corner to Thames Street, dismounting at the dismount line and running into a final transition zone where they will place their bike in the designated area before exiting back out to Thames Street.

Athletes then sprint the length of Thames Street to the turn around point, back down and into The Powderkeg car park where the final challenge begins. Athletes must scull the beverage (beer or lemonade) and tap the empty vessel onto the table before a finishing time can be recorded.