Pooches, piste and powder in the mix

It was a dog's day out at the Queenstown Winter Festival yesterday as record numbers of canines and their carers, such as Corey McKarthy and Toa, hurtled down Coronet Peak's slopes in the Dog Derby.

The winner of the derby was the first person to reach the bottom with their dog in tow. The title was won by Steven Joyce and his pooch, Fall.

While most of the participants were usually experts at keeping their faithful hounds at heel, the race descended into pandemonium as 85 teams hurtled down the slopes amid yelling and whistling. MORE>>