RAL looks at more snow making

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 August 1992, Page 5

RAL looks at more snow making

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts are planning to install more snowmaking equipment next year. R.A.L. are waiting for the Tongariro Conservation Board's reply to a draft Environmental Impact Assessment submitted at the Board's meeting on 31 July. R.A.L. want to build a water reservoir at

Whakapapa skifield to supply snow making machines with the large quantities of water needed to make snow. R.A.L. general manager Dave Mazey said they are planning to build the reservoir above Skipper's Canyon and below the Pinnacle Plat-

ters. The reservoir would supply snow-making machines planned for the Rockgarden, Staircase and Waterfall areas. Snow would be made mainly to cover trouble spots such as lift lines, narrow tracks and gullies which sometimes run short of snow. "We want to expand our

snow making system to offer customers a better product," said Mr Mazey. "In the past 10 years Whakapapa have had seasons where there has been very light snow cover," he said. Conservation Board executive officer Karen Hawke said DoC may want more details about the project from R.A.L.

"We want to know what effect the construction of the project will have on the environment and also make sure it won't look ugly in the summer," she said. Depending on approval and the conditions set by the Conservation Board, and the availability of finance, construction would begin this sum-

mer. DoC would be happy for the project to go ahead if everything is environmentally acceptable, Miss Hawke said. The initial construction of the reservoir is expected to cost between ^$250,000 and $350,000.

Whakapapa began artificial snowmaking in the Happy Valley beginners area two years ago. The Conservation Board will meet again in October to discuss the assessment and set up a working committee on the project.