Ski programme repeat in spring

Ruapehu Bulletin, 25 August 1992, Page 17

Ski programme repeat in spring

The New Zealand Ski Council will run a second 'Let's Go Skiing New Zealand' programme in the spring following the success of this year's early season programme which finished on Sunday. During the nine-day programme, more than 4000 people took to the slopes of Mt Ruapehu to discover the enjoyment and exhilaration of skiing. New Zealand Ski Council Executive Director, Mr Miles Davidson said response to the programme was fantastic. "The number of skiers exceeded last year's total and there was an abundance of snow at all areas." People who could not ski on their scheduled day because of bad weather can make arrangements to register

for the spring programme or can obtain a refund, he said. The annual offer provides rental of boots, skis and poles, a beginner's lesson and access to the learners' slopes for only $15 per person per day. Mr Davidson said it had been good to see so many families and smaller community groups taking up the offer this year. Most large school groups that were unable to be accommodated on the programme were referred to other programmes organised specifically for them by various ski areas. 'To ensure that everyone has been able to enjoy themselves to the fullest, with no problems obtaining equipment or using the lifts, the ski areas placed limits on the numbers at-

tending per day for the early season programme," said Mr Davidson. "This year, for the first time we will run a second programme in the spring to give everyone the opportunity to participate. Spring is the ideal time to leam to ski." A survey of people who attended the programme in 1990 showed that 59 per cent of respondents had returned to the slopes in the 16 months following. "Interest in skiing this year is at an all time high," says Mr Davidson. "Particularly following the success of Annelise Coberger at the Winter Olympics. The use of snow making equipment at the leading ski areas and also frequent snowfall is ensuring a longer season and greater snow consis-

tency." The second programme, which runs from 26 September to 24 October, will require registration at ski retail shops around New Zealand between 31 August and 18 September. The participating ski areas and their approximate number of registrations in the early season prpgramme were:

Whakapapa & Turoa, 4,000; Rainbow, 200; Porter Heights,500; Mt Lyford,100; Mount Hutt,

1,800; Southern Lakes, 1,000; (Ohau, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables).