Open Champagne with a Ski at This Free Snow Party

Just five months out from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea and 900 athletes from 39 countries are set to descend on every major ski field in the Southern Lakes district for the Winter Games NZ.

This year will be the fifth outing of the competition, with everything from freestyle skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ice hockey and curling free to watch for the public.

To celebrate the return of the games, and as a way for competitors and spectators alike to let their hair down, Champagne Mumm has launched Club de Neige. Translating to 'snow club', the event series is as an ode to the world of aprés ski — something almost as big as ski culture itself.

After a day on the slopes at Cardrona, Club de Neige will offer Champagne cocktails, fire pits and live entertainment from Auckland based DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids. Attendees will also witness the act of 'skibrage', a snow-appropriate version of the 200 year old tradition that sees a sabre break the neck of a bottle clean away from its base.

The Winter Games NZ take place across New Zealand's Southern Alps from 25 August to 10 September 2017. Find Club de Neige at Cardrona on Sunday 27 August, Friday 1 September, Monday 4 September, Saturday 9 September and during the closing ceremony.