The roots of skiing and snowboarding in Aspen go back so far that they extend all the way to the Southern Hemisphere.

The Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club announced Monday that two of its athletes, Hunter Maytin and Nick Geiser, will participate in the first World Cup of the season at the prestigious Cardrona Resort in New Zealand.

Both Maytin and Geiser will now join former Aspen ski and snowboard pros Alex Ferreira, Cassidy Jarrell, Kai Morris and Tristan Feinberg in the World Cup competition, according to a press release from the Aspen Ski and Snowboard Club. The World Cup qualifiers will take place on September 7, with the finals on September 8.

This marks the beginning of Geiser and Maytin’s journey to the World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland and sets the stage for the coveted 2026 Olympic Games in Italy.

“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our skills on an international stage,” Geiser said in the press release. “Representing AVSC means so much to me. The program has taught me invaluable skills, forged lifelong friendships and introduced me to exceptional mentors. I am truly grateful for everything AVSC has contributed to my development.”

Dave Zweig, head park and pipe coach for the Aspen Ski and Snowboard Club, said the event was a fantastic platform for Geiser and Maytin to use the techniques they have perfected in summer camps and training sessions.

“I am excited to see how they do and start the season with such a strong performance,” he said in the press release.

In addition, Aspen Ski and Snowboard Club athlete Hanna Lamm will compete in the ANC Cup (Australia/New Zealand International Cup) on October 1 at Cardrona Resort. In this top-level competition, she will compete against both up-and-coming top talents and experienced World Cup competitors.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Hanna to continue her rise in the sport,” Zweig noted in the press release. “Although she has only been skiing and competing in the halfpipe for a year, her performance was impressive. Her consistent amplitude and effortless execution make her a standout. This competition will be an important step on her journey to World Cup level, and I believe that day is quickly approaching.”

Lamm was excited about this opportunity.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and dive back into the competition season,” she said in the press release. “It’s incredible that I will be back on snow in less than a month, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.”