Whakapapa Update

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 286, 9 May 1989, Page 3 (Supplement)

Whakapapa Update

Progress on new lifts being constructed at Whakapapa Skifields on Mt Ruapehu, including the "smallest chairlift in the world", is right on target, according to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts General Manager Dave Mazey.

The new National Downhill Quad chairlift is now in the final stages of assembly. All towers have been erected and all heavy equipment is on site. Fitting of running gear and finalising the assembly of the drive terminal is now taking place. Smallest lifft Construction of the new access chairlift into Happy Valley, the lift that is thought to be the smallest chairlift in the world, is now well advanced, says Mr Mazey. This lift, designed to provide easy access into and, more importantly out of, the Happy Valley beginners' area, will be free. With its slow speed and easy mount and dismount areas it will also act as an excellent

first timers' introduction to chairlift use. Ruapehu Alpine lifts has also bought a new Kassbohrer snow grooming machine, boosting the fleet total to four. RAL has arranged for the machine to be displayed at the May Auckland Snow Show. Better access Trail modifications at Whakapapa are now complete and will ensure early opening of the ski season. A new entrance to the Valley from the top of the Waterfall Express Chairlift is being cut which will enable easy and direct access into the Valley. Road sealed The Bruce Road deviation is now complete and is now completely

sealed making the drive to the ski field much more pleasant. Within the loop road 200 new earparks have been created. Ruapehu Alpine lifts now operate all services on the mountain which they say will mean they will be able to offer better package deals to first time skiers and mid-week skiers, as well as better service all round the mountain. New Director The Whakapapa ski school has a new director this year, replacing Craig Speiss who is now coaching the Canadian National Women's team full time. The new director is Patrick Simon from Andermatt in Switzerland. He has worked at Whakapapa as an instructor in the early 1980s, he's married to a New Zealander and they plan to live in New Zealand permanently.