Summer skiing again popular

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 468, 12 January 1993, Page 1

Summer skiing again popular

The beach is no longer compulsory for Kiwis if the success of Ruapehu 's summer skiing can be taken into account. This year's summer skiing on Ruapehu was a success, despite runs of poor weather, belying the notion that last year's Whakapapa summer skiing was a one-

off novelty attraction. Whakapapa ski area ran their Te Heu Heu Valley, Knoll Ridge, Waterfall and Far West T Bars for skiing as well as their Centennial and Express chairlifts for access. They have operated the chairlifts for sightseers and hiker's access regularly in recent summers.

General Manager Dave Mazey said between 400 and 800 people skied on good days, though they had a lot more closed days than previous years. He said taking into account the fact that poor weather kept people away on some days, they were pleased with the response. Mr Mazey said the ski-

ing had been excellent. "I skied on New Year's Day and had a great day. A cool breeze kept the snow firm so it was great spring style skiing, especially on the Far West T Bar." The chairlifts continue to operate until 1 February, and run again at Easter, but Ruapehu Alpine Lifts will operate them on demand

for groups of 10 people or more. The field's summer skiing ended on 4 January. Turoa's first summer ski season was also a success, despite poor weather between Christmas and the New Year, said manager Angus Grimwade. He said about 300 people per day on average visited the slopes, with a maximum of about 600. "We haven't evaluated it fully yet, but I would say we broke even by opening, and hopefully we made some PR gains. And the town (Ohakune) benefitted tremendously out of it." He said as well as the skiers, a lot of people who would not normally visit in winter, came for a ride on a chairlift and to see snow. A lot of people took advantage of the free skiing for children through the Diet Pepsi offer. Turoa would look at running the summer skiing again, depending on snow and also how the winter season had been. He said they would also have to look at how it fitted in with their regular maintenance and development programme. "This year the summer ski season has reduced our maintenance time and we have to consider that our main business is providing skiing in winter." He said Turoa's summer skiing finished on a good note, with two excellent days on the weekend, with fine weather and very little wind. "And there's still plenty of snow about."