Snowmaking for Whakapapa

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 365, 4 December 1990, Page 1

Snowmaking for Whakapapa

Snowmaking equipment, flush toilets and a state-of-the-art snowgroomer are part of Whakapapa's development plans for this summer, following a very successful 1990 ski season.

In addition to their summer sightseeing operation Ruapehu Alpine Lifts have announce several projects aimed at improving facilities for the 1991 ski season. Snowmaking The most significant development will be the' installation of a snowmaking system in Happy Valley. The $600,000 system is to be designed by Snowmakers Incorporated, (SMI) suppliers to the 1984 Sarajevo and 1988 Calgary Olympic Games. Equipment will

be supplied by their New Zealand agents Ski Industries Ltd of, Christchurch. Installation will be completed by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts staff. With capacity to cover the Valley floor with 20cm of snow in four nights, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts believe Happy Valley will be able to operate from early to mid June. The all important beginner skier market will have a guarantepd start date and Happy Turnpage 4

Snowmaking planned for Whakapapa Skifield

From page 1 Valley will be able to operate for almost the entire season giving obvious advantages to tour operators and accommodation establishments, according to RAL management. Snowmaking requires a large water supply which is available from a spring located in the Waipuna Valley, two kilometres below Happy Valley. An application for a water right has been lodged with the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council. Toilet facilities The first staee of a

major redevelopment of Knoll Ridge Chalet will also occur, with the in-' stallation of flush toilets in the existing lower level. These will more than double the present toilet facilities which will be increased further in subsequent stages. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts report that the installation of a flush toilet system has been hampered until now by difficulties in finding adequate water and an effective effluent disposal system in this location. Last summer a spring was discovered in Te Heu

Heu Valley and monitoring of this through the winter indicates that it should ensure an adequate water supply. New technology has enabled the development of a sewage treatment system such that polished effluent (near-clear water) will be drained into soakage holes. A drilling programme in late September confirmed good soakage in geological layers near Knoll Ridge. Once again this project is subject to final approval from Department of Conservation, the Depart-

ment of Health and the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts will also be installing a flush toilet system in the toilet block below Iwikau Shelter. Creche There's good news for families in the planned developments. A creche will be built close to the Top O' the Bruce. Designed to cater for up to 30 children between the-

ages of two and six years old, the creche is to offer the full range of services expected in a facility of this type. Snow Grooming Finally, there's also a new Kassbohrer 240 snowgroomer in the plan. This is described as a state-of-the-art machine which will bring Ruapehu Alpine Lifts' fleet of groomers up to six. The new groomer would greatly improve

their ability to adequately groom the large expanse of new terrain opened up by the Far West T Bar and West Ridge Chairlift. Commenting on the planned developments Ruapehu Alpine lifts General Manager, Dave Mazey said the company was excited with the prospects for the coming season. "Skiing is a growth sport and there's lots of

enthusiasm in the industry again. Management techniques like snowmaking and more grooming can easily win over the greenhouse effect" said Mazey. "We're working hard to ensure better facilities and services for our customers and I'm sure visitors to Whakapapa in 1990 will agree, when mother nature plays her part the mountain is a magical place."