If the Winter Olympics in Beijing has captured your attention over the past week or so, then you should check out some snow sport history in our own back yard.

Methven’s NZ Alpine and Agriculture Encounter features displays about the history of skiing in New Zealand, and the development of Mt Hutt skifield. There are also displays about snowmaking and skifield management, as well as famous skiing families and athletes who have made us proud over the years.

Annelise Coberger became the first Kiwi to win a medal at the Winter Olympics when she took silver in the slalom at Albertville in France in 1992. It was New Zealand’s only winter medal until 2018, when Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous both won bronze at Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Sadowski-Synnott became the first to win gold when she took out the slopestyle at Beijing this month, she also won a silver medal in the big air.

The skiing memorabilia in Methven has been carefully curated by staff and community members at the Alpine and Agriculture Encounter, which is part of the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall. It is believed to be the only collection of ski memorabilia of its kind in New Zealand.

On display are unique exhibits, ranging from antique ski equipment, to Winter Olympic memorabilia and collections from well-known ski families. Coberger’s ski racing suit, goggles, boots and skis from the 1992 games are on display.

Visitors to the centre can also watch the ski antics of the early skiers on one of the many audio visual displays, see ski fashions through the ages and learn about alpine safety.

The NZ Alpine and Agriculture Encounter is open on weekdays from 10am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm.