Whakapapa flush with improvements

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 388, 28 May 1991, Page 13

Whakapapa flush with improvements

It's been another very busy summer at Whakapapa Ski Area. In addition to their summer sightseeing programme Ruapehu Alpine Lifts have been busy improving facilities for the coming season.

The most significant development has been the installation of a snowmaking system in Happy Valley, Whakapapa's sheltered beginners' area. The $600,000 system has the capacity to cover the valley floor with 20 cm of snow in four nights, so depending on cold temperatures RAL are confident of being able to operate Happy Valley from early June. A flush in the pan The first stage of a major redevelopment of Knoll Ridge Chalet has been completed with the installation of flush toilets in the existing lower level. These will more than double the present toilet facilities which will be increased further at subsequent stages. RAL have known for many years that their toilet facilities were not up to standard but improvements have been hampered by difficulties

in finding adequate water and effective effluent disposal systems in the upper alpine region. Both these problems were overcome with an extensive drilling programme and new tech-

nology to enable the treatment and disposal of treated effluent. The old "long drop" toilets at the Iwikau Shelter have also been replaced with flush toilets. Creche Good news for families visiting Whakapapa this year - there's now a creche at the Top O' The Bruce. Designed to cater

for up to 30 children between the ages of 2 and 6, the creche will offer the full range of services expected in a facility of this type. Snow grooming RAL have purchased another Kassbohrer 240 snow groomer which

brings their fleet up to six. The purchase is planned to greatly improve their ability to adequately groom the large expanse of new terrain opened up by the Far West T Bar and the West Ridge Quad Chairlift.