...and so is Whakapapa

Ruapehu Bulletin, 13 August 1991, Page 5

...and so is Whakapapa

Snowfalls not seen for a decade have set Whakapapa up for a top 1991 ski season, said general manager Dave Mazey last week. He said staff have had to truck snow out of the carparks, and places like the Rockgarden lift - normally just for access - have been offering great skiing. Skier numbers are well up on last year's so far - almost double that of this time 1990 - making it likely it will be a record year for

skier days. Mr Mazey said he has been surprised at the amount of interest in skiing this year, especially with the economy in its present state. "I think it's an indication that skiing has come of age," he said. "We're starting to see the results of the industry's promotion and media attention." As of last week Whakapapa had clocked

up around 50,000 skier days, which included a large number of first time skiers. He said the Happy Valley snowmaking system had trialled very well and although it wasn't needed much now, it had been vital in getting the beginner slopes up and running in June-July. The sheer volume of snow, with a base of 150cm now, has dominated the situation this year, said Mr Mazey.