Turoa skiing switched on tomorrow

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 391, 18 June 1991, Page 3

Turoa skiing switched on tomorrow

Turoa is opening Wednesday, better prepared than they've ever been, says assistant mountain manager Rob Finlayson. The field is due to open tomorrow, subject to weather and snow conditions, with the Movenpick for access, the Giant skiable to mid station, the High Noon and Moro T Bars operating with excellent skiing, and the Alpine Meadow teleskis for beginners. Mr Finlayson said they worked a maintenance plan over the summer which saw them effectively working

from the top down, which suits the progression of weather through the off-season. He said this system took advantage of the good weather high up early on, with work carried out at lower levels or in the workshop during adverse

weather. Mountain Manager Grant McMasters said they have overhauled all the snowgroomers, returning two last week to work around the clock to get the slopes ready for Wednesday. Apart from helping

the power board with the electrification project, extra jobs this summer have included earth works to improve foot and ski traffic in the base area, increasing the size of the VIP carpark to 250 cars. Also, a permanent elevated he-

lipad was built near the ski patrol headquarters which means carparking staff won't have to keep an area clear of cars for emergencies. It is more accessible and hassle free for emergency access, said Mr McMasters.

Turoa has taken over the DoC ranger station at the southern end of the carpark, refurbishing it for night staff headquarters. Mr McMasters said the staff, being

based on the mountain, will be allocated a range of taskes to carry out, including de-icing and lift maintenance, cleaning, snowmaking, road clearing and cafeteria stock shifting.