NZ ski fields gearing up for winter 2010
12 May 2010
As winter snow time approaches, New Zealand’s ski areas are already busy preparing for another bumper 2010 ski season with many new developments designed to enhance the Kiwi ski holiday experience.
When the ski season opens next month, ski fields all over New Zealand will also be opening new cafés, ski lifts and off- piste skiing facilities.
The vast South Island ski area of Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables is introducing a new automated lift pass system - using a micro-chip pass that scans through clothing - that’s set to streamline ski field access.
Trish May from New Zealand Ski says the industry is looking forward to another strong season.
"The colder weather and early snow falls are promising. As with 2009, the exchange rate remains favourable and there is good availability of flights, fare levels and package deals."
Cardrona - Wanaka
Cardrona - between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka in the South Island, and one of New Zealand’s premier ski destinations - is set to unveil Australasia’s first internationally-certified downhill course.
The FIS-certified ‘Goldrush’ course is phase one of a NZ$3m upgrade that will add 150 hectares of new slopes and increase snow-making capacity.
Cardrona developments also include the new Valley View quad chairlift, a 40m tunnel and additional car parking to cope with visitor capacity.
Cardrona field manager Gary Husband says phase one is scheduled to be completed by late May, in plenty of time for the 25 June ski season opening. Phase two will start in summer 2010.
"A lot of advanced off-piste skiing will be available with the addition of the new chairlift, and it also allows us to run downhill races that are certified to International Ski Federation standards."
Treble Cone - Wanaka
Treble Cone - the South Island’s biggest ski area and a favourite with experienced skiers and snowboarders - is inaugurating an FIS-standard permanent big air kicker. Sited in Treble Cone’s main basin, the big air kicker is certain to provide a never-ending spectacle for visitors.
The ski field is also offering two women-only ski weeks, in July and September, that have been designed for intermediate to advanced female skiers and boarders wanting to move to the next level.
The 2010 season also marks the start of a proposed five-year improvement project that begins with the installation of new barriers in key points along the mountain access road and a new hi-resolution webcam.
Coronet Peak - Queenstown
Coronet Peak’s ‘Big Easy’ novice area is receiving a significant upgrade for the 2010 season that includes replacing the old double chairlift with an express Leitner-Poma quad chairlift.
The express chairlift is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and includes new safety features such as an automated loading carpet for skiers and snowboarders, automated safety bar and a ‘kid stop’ mechanism.
Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie says the improvements mean that families and beginners can have even more fun on the snow.
"The new chairlift will be safe and easy for children to ride without accompanying adults, which will free up parents to ski or ride the rest of the mountain if they wish."
Snow Park - Cardrona Valley
Snow Park, in the Cardrona Valley, is renowned internationally for the challenging terrain that makes it popular with young free-riders.
For 2010, Snow Park is expanding the night riding programme - Tuesday, Friday, Saturday - and rolling out a dedicated learners’ area with some freestyle elements to foster adventurous beginners.
"It’s about educating them right off the bat how to ski or snowboard and giving them the opportunity to hit rails and boxes early on, while keeping them out of harm’s way," says Snow Park general manager Sam Lee.
Completing the new developments for the season is the purchase of a 22- foot Global Cutter machine - which Lee says will help improve terrain in the park.
"Larger pipes are the international standard and the new cutter shapes a half- pipe that is much safer, so everyone is able to get a better experience in a 22ft pipe."
Whakapapa - Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu ski area covers New Zealand’s two largest ski fields - Whakapapa on the mountain’s north-western slopes, and Turoa in the southwest.
The new Knoll Ridge Café, on the Whakapapa ski field, is due to open for the 2010 season. The Knoll Ridge facilities, which have been rebuilt after a devastating fire in February 2009, are 50m downhill from the old site, with stunning views across the ski field. There is also a new groomer shed below the Valley T- bar drive station.
Winter 2010 - NZ ski field opening dates
North Island ski areas:
Manganui - TBC
Tukino - 3 July (TBC)
Turoa - 19 June
Whakapapa - 26 June
South Island ski areas:
Cardrona - 25 June
Coronet Peak - 5 June
Craigieburn Valley - 3 July
Mt Hutt - 12 June
Ohau - 26 June
Snow Park - 25 June
The Remarkables - 19 June
Treble Cone - 24 June
Mt Dobson - 1 July
Roundhill - 3 July
More information:
Skiing and snowboarding adventures in New Zealand
New Zealand Winter 2010 events
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
