Svindal, Miller among racers hitting up Hutt

World Cup training season at New Zealand’s Mount Hutt has kicked off for another year with the arrival of some of the world’s greatest winter athletes. The all-star lineup includes overall World Cup champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway and American Bode Miller who is training privately for the upcoming World Cup season after leaving the U.S. Ski Team. Later in the season, the Austrian women’s and men’s teams and the Swiss women’s contingent will train on Mount Hutt’s ski training lanes.
MOUNT HUTT, New Zealand — World Cup training season at New Zealand’s Mount Hutt has kicked off for another year with the arrival of some of the world’s greatest winter athletes.
    The all-star lineup includes overall World Cup champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway and American Bode Miller who is training privately for the upcoming World Cup season after leaving the U.S. Ski Team. Later in the season, the Austrian women’s and men’s teams and the Swiss women’s contingent will train on Mount Hutt’s ski training lanes.
    Mount Hutt race department’s Paul Marks said the Canterbury ski area is a popular destination for international Southern Hemisphere ski training.
    “Since the six-seater was installed in 2005, Mount Hutt’s reputation as a fantastic ski training destination has grown rapidly,” Marks said. “Consistent snow, expanded snowmaking and our commitment to providing a world-class racing environment have all contributed to these teams seeking to come back year after year.
    “It’s a huge undertaking for us and the teams. Each team comes with a support staff of coaches, ski techs, physios and course crew. Tons of equipment are freighted into New Zealand, with each athlete bringing up to 20 pairs of skis.
    “Coaches arrive at Mount Hutt with very specific training lane requirements. Then they’re jumping on the lift at 7 a.m. to begin the day by setting courses in the moonlight.”
    Race fans in the region who want to view the world’s fastest skiers in action can do so between 9 and 10 a.m. each morning throughout August.
    “It’s incredibly exciting to watch, Aksel reaches amazing speeds during his downhill training and Bode is always spectacular as he pushes skiing to its limits with his unique and powerful style,” Marks said.