Staff shift snow for summer skiing

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 465, 8 December 1992, Page 19 (Supplement)

Staff shift snow for summer skiing

Summer skiing at Turoa is still going strong. Assistant mountain manager Rob Finlayson says there is a great effort being put in by all staff to maintain the snow on the mountain. "At this time of the year, because snow is not naturally falling any more, there is a concerted effort to push snow out of the gullies and natural snow traps onto the trails and areas where the snow is becoming bare." "Our grooming crew is working hard during the days building up bare areas." Turoa has also installed artificial snow matting at lift stations and queue areas to enable skiers to load and unload lifts where snow is at a minimum. "There is also a lot of shovelling being done by lift attendants and other staff," says Mr Finlayson. As the Alpine Meadows beginner slope is no longer skiable, the rope tow from that area is to be moved to the top of the Movenpick quad chairlift, where there is a large amount of natural

snow, and that area will be used for beginner skiers. Mr Finlayson says skiers should not discount the possibility of more snow before the summer season is over. "Although it is not normal for snow to fall at this time of the year, it is a possibility." "As far as I can recall, for the last three years it has snowed on Christmas Day on the mountain." Turoa's marketing manager Nancy van der Laan says skiers will be able to enjoy special promotions on the mountain over the summer period. "Diet Pepsi are giving away Pepsi packs and sun visors and DB will also be doing a promotion." "As well, the Turoa cafes will be putting on BBQ's, weather permitting." Miss van der Laan says she hopes families will take advantage of free skiing for children under 14 who bring a can of Diet Pepsi to the ski resort. "So far, we have had a great response from parents."