The groms are in action at Mt Ruapehu’s Mini X Games this Wednesday and Thursday in Whakapapa ski area’s Happy Valley.

Now in its eighth year, the Mini X Games is the biggest event of its type in New Zealand.

Kids aged between 5 and 12 will complete in two events, the mini Skier/Boardercross on Wednesday and the Little Big Air on Thursday. Participants will be judged in three age groups: 5 – 7, 8 – 10 and 11 – 12.

Mt. Ruapehu Marketing Manager Mike Smith says that the event is special for kids and parents alike. “We regularly see over 150 kids enter this event with hundreds of parents and friends cheering them on," Smith says. "It’s an annual highlight and great fun during the school holidays.”

The Mini X Games are free to enter for skiers and snowboarders aged between 5 and 12. Registration begins at 3 pm in Happy Valley and competition starts at 4 pm.