New Zealand Ski Resorts Closing
New Gondolas And New Ski Resort Planned
Many of New Zealand’s ski areas are closing this weekend, although the season is set to continue in to November at Mt Ruapehu which has reported record snowfall levels in recent months. Ruapehu’s two ski areas believe they’ll be the only areas left open in Australasia after this weekend. Whakapapa is open right through to 27 October, and Turoa’s staying open to November 16th. Another resort, Mt Hutt, is scheduled to close this Sunday 19 October, but the high country ski area will reopen for four days over the New Zealand Labour Weekend, from Friday 24th to Monday 27th October.
The Lake Wanaka region, which contains four resorts - Treble Cone, Snow Park NZ, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Snow Farm - is reporting good visitor numbers for the season with great snow conditions throughout and many successful world-class events.
Visitor numbers at Cardrona were up on previous years. The new high speed Captain’s Express quad, Captain’s Café and improved slopestyle course were all met with enthusiasm while the 22-foot superpipe, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere took centre stage for top snowboarders competing in the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup Half Pipe last month with top performer, Kohhei Kudoh (JAP), gaining one of the highest scoring runs in half pipe history.
Wanaka’s only night skiing and riding, introduced this year at Snow Park NZ, proved popular with both tourists and locals enjoying the experience of skiing under the stars. The resort is looking to offer more night riding and evening events for the 2009 season. The on mountain accommodation also proved a hit, with overnight visitors, staying in the luxury apartments and bunkrooms, up more than 50%.
Treble Cone enjoyed excellent skiing and riding conditions throughout the season, particularly in August. Late season snowfalls ensured good coverage from top to bottom of the mountain providing good conditions spring conditions through to the end of the season in early October.
Snow Farm NZ successfully staged the FIS ANC Cross Country Cup attracting a strong field of men and women from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and France. The Snow Farm trails also offer ideal terrain for the running of sled dogs and hosted New Zealand’s many on-snow dog sled competitions as well as offering commercial trips.
The region’s event calendar was packed with the most elite level events for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, alpine ski racing, cross country and big mountain contests than anywhere in the country. All four resorts hosted Olympic and National snow sports teams who look to continue training through the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months.
In May consent was given to build the first gondola in New Zealand to access a ski resort. The $16.6million gondola project will service Snow Park NZ, Snow Farm and a third planned ski area, Roaring Meg Resort. Treble Cone is in the final stages of gaining resource consent approval to also build a gondola from the bottom of the access road to the base buildings.
Lake Wanaka Tourism chief executive John Alldred is thrilled with the success of the 2008 winter. “It is great to attract so many international teams, events and visitors to Lake Wanaka’s resorts who experience the diverse terrain and snow sports on offer. The resorts invest heavily in their world-class facilities allowing us to offer holiday makers a fantastic visit,” he said.
Elsewhere in New Zealand The Remarkables will close on this Sunday (12 October) as scheduled bringing to a close an eventful and fun winter season.
The Remarkables Manager Ross Lawrence is encouraging skiers and riders to venture up to the ski area’s slopes to enjoy the last few days of the season.
“Recent snowfalls and a return to mid winter temperatures means the snow conditions are awesome, and with the forecast for fine weather and continued cool temperatures the snow will remain in excellent condition for our last few days of operation. It is an extraordinary finish to the season,” said Mr Lawrence.
Reflecting on the season, Mr Lawrence said highlights included the development of The Stash - the first southern hemisphere venue for Burton’s new terrain park concept, the installation of two new surface conveyor lifts on the beginners’ slopes, a great series of events and the odd magic powder day “that just can’t be beaten.”
The Stash has been a fantastic development - we’ve opened up new terrain and broken new ground by creating some of the most unique features in the world. There’s a whole vibe grown around it.
For beginner skiers and riders, our new surface conveyor lifts have gone down a treat. They make progressing to the next level so much easier and more fun.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc
