MOFO

Mt Olympus Freeride Open 2026

14–16 September 2026, Mt Olympus Ski Area

Pay entry fee Book accommodation

What is MOFO?

MOFO is a freeride ski and snowboard competition on steep, ungroomed, natural alpine terrain. Competitors pick their own lines through cliffs, chutes, drops and natural features, and are judged on their run. It's one of the highlights of the Mt Olympus season, and a grassroots event where first-timers ride alongside returning competitors.

When

• Competition day: Monday 14 September 2026
• Weather backup days: Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September
• Registrations closed: 8:00 pm, Thursday 10 September

The competition is confirmed for Monday 14 September. Any changes due to weather, snow, visibility, avalanche risk or operational requirements will be communicated by email, on the Mt Olympus website and through our official social channels.

The NZ Junior Freeride Tour (NZJFT) runs separately at Mt Olympus from 11–13 September.

Competition day – Monday 14 September

6:30 am	Summer Road opens
7:45 am	Access & Learners Tows open
8:00–8:45 am	Competitor check-in at Top Hut
9:00 am	Compulsory competitor briefing at Top Hut
~9:30 am	Forerunners
~10:15 am	First athlete drop

Competition timings are approximate and may change depending on conditions and operational requirements.

• Venue: the competition venue and course map are published with the latest event update.
• Getting up the hill: the Summer Road opens at 6:30 am and the Access & Learners Tows are scheduled to open at 7:45 am. If you drive the Summer Road, follow all Mt Olympus road and radio instructions.
• Briefing and inspection are compulsory. Follow all directions from patrol, officials and judges, including competition boundaries, closed areas and start procedures.

Categories and eligibility

Open to riders 16 and over. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must complete the consent section of the registration form.

Each group has an Open and a Masters (35+) category. Groups run in this order:

1. Snowboard Women
2. Snowboard Men
3. Ski Women
4. Ski Men

Entry fees

Member, includes competition-day lift pass	$60
Member with a Mt Olympus Season Pass or Chill Pass	$30
Non-member, includes competition-day lift pass	$115
Non-member with a Chill Pass	$85

Choose the option that matches your membership and pass status. Your entry is only confirmed once we've received both your registration and the correct payment.

Early bird entry fees will be offered for 2027.

Safety equipment

Compulsory for every competitor:

• Approved helmet and back protector, worn while competing
• Avalanche transceiver (worn correctly and switched on), shovel and probe

All gear is checked before your run. If anything is missing or fails the check, you won't be cleared to start.

Also bring: skis or snowboard, alpine clothing, personal medications, ID, and proof of payment in case we ask for it.

Accommodation

Please note: BYO alcohol is not permitted in the lodge under our Club License conditions.

Accommodation isn't included in your entry. You can stay at Top Hut, Bottom Hut or off the mountain.

Competitors and support crew get discounted Top Hut rates with the code SENDIT30, valid from Sunday night 13 September to Friday 18 September, so you can stay on and keep skiing after the comp.

On-hill accommodation is R18 on competition days. All ages are welcome for the nights after. Under-18 competitors, please email us before booking.

Book accommodation

Risk and declaration

MOFO is a high-consequence event on serious terrain in a remote alpine location, where rescue and evacuation can take time. When you register, you accept the MOFO 2026 Acknowledgement of Risk and Participant Declaration , confirming you're an advanced rider, fit to compete, and will wear the compulsory equipment, attend the briefing and inspection, and follow all patrol and official directions.

Refunds and cancellation

• If the competition moves to a backup day, your entry moves with it.
• If no competition is held in the weather window because of weather or a club operational decision, you'll get a full refund.
• If you withdraw before the event, you'll be refunded less an administration fee, in line with the club's booking policy.
• No refunds once the event has started, except at the organisers' discretion in exceptional circumstances.
• Entries can only be transferred with the organisers' approval, and don't carry over to next year.

Contact

mofo@mtolympus.co.nz

MOFO tees are for sale on the hill.

Event details may change because of weather, snow, avalanche risk, visibility, operational requirements or safety decisions.