Two simple innovations giving Kiwi athletes the edge for Milano Cortina 2026
New Zealand’s headline alpine skier, Alice Robinson, and a talented group of park and pipe athletes have been the first to benefit from these initiatives—proof that innovation doesn’t always mean flashy tech; sometimes it’s about delivering the right information at the right time.
For Alice, the Goldmine Innovation team developed a project focused on aerodynamic positioning using the University of Auckland’s wind tunnel.
This work analysed how different tuck positions affect drag and control. By breaking down video of Alice, categorising positions, and then testing those in the wind tunnel, the team quantified drag differences and gave Alice and her coaches actionable insights.
The result? A clearer understanding of when to prioritise speed versus control on the racecourse. This was the first time Alice’s programme had Goldmine Innovation support, and it’s already shaping her approach for 2026.
For our freestyle athletes, the challenge is mastering complex tricks in a high-risk environment. To tighten the learning loop, Goldmine deployed a pilot video system on the new dry slope at Cardrona — a network of high-end cameras providing instant visual feedback.
Initially using off-the-shelf tools, the system is designed to integrate into HPSNZ’s video environment over time, creating a tailored feedback platform. This means athletes can review their attempts in detail, reduce risk, and accelerate skill development. In a sport where precision and confidence matter, this simple solution is already making a big difference.
“These are two simple projects, but with high impact,” says Simon Briscoe, HPSNZ Innovation Manager. “Innovation doesn’t always have to be shiny and complex. Often, it’s about giving the right information to the right people at the right time.”
Snow Sports NZ GM High Performance Luke Hetzel explains Snow Sports NZ’s history with innovation has been primarily in cutting edge technology around sit-ski aerodynamics, which has been critical to Corey Peter’s success in the Paralympics.
“It’s been great to work with the Goldmine Innovation team and start to expand that success into other disciplines. We’ve stumbled in the past trying to over-complicate our thinking around innovation, and these two projects are a good reminder that sometimes simple is better,” says Luke.
“Video review and wind tunnels aren’t new, but both projects are directly impacting our Milan campaigns and are providing insights that get us closer to our goals in Milan. A big thank you to the Goldmine Innovation team at HPSNZ.”
As Alice and the park and pipe athletes prepare to take on the world in Milano Cortina, these innovations show how targeted, practical solutions can deliver a competitive edge—helping Kiwi athletes push boundaries and perform at their best.
