A family field

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 485, 11 May 1993, Page 13 (Supplement)

A family field

At Whakapapa learning to ski is sprinkled with a touch of magic. Fire-works, facepainting, musicians, magicians, champagne and clowns add up to a serious dose of fun. Whakapapa used to be known as the serious skier's mountain. Today Whakapapa is also a successful family ski field offering a variety of opportunities, events and activities to suit all levels of skiing ability from beginners to racers. Development over the last five years has increased the skiing area for experienced skiers as well as created new and exciting opportunities for beginners. Snowmaking equipment means that the Happy Valley .beginners area is guaranteed to have snow throughout the season. Snow-making is intended to reinforce what comes naturally - and

the last two seasons have seen a lot of that - natural snow. As well as marketing in Australia and North America, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, the company that runs the Whakapapa ski field are doing a lot to increase the local ski market. Young families and school groups are an important part of their target market and both groups are well looked after. Kiwi Ski is part of the kiwi sports programme and designed to encouragfe school students to take up the sport. And if you thought having children meant the end to skiing, think again. Whakapapa has three diverse beginner areas where internationally qualified instructors can teach you and your family to ski. The ski school has a range of programmes devised to help all levels of skiers improve their technique and it's always interspersed with a great deal of fun. Thousands of New Zealanders have mastered the snow plough at Happy Valley, Whakapapa's largest beginner area. Sheltered from the wind and totally self-contained, Happy Valley is designed to make learning

to ski easy. Full ski-hire is available in the valley and if you'd rather be a spectator you can relax inside or out of the large cafeteria deck and enjoy the view - the chairlift ride is free. Take care of children Children love the snow but if they're very young don't expect too much. Children tire easily and need to have lots of play built into the day. Dress them warmly with particular attention to gloves, mittens and hats. Goggles stay on better than sun-glasses and it's a good idea to have small treats at hand for extra energy. If the children get tired or want a day off the slopes book them into the Wizard's Club - a purpose built creche with fully trained and very capable staff. Last year one young visitor had such a good time in the Wizard's Club that she declined her parents offer to ski and returned to the creche each day! "Whakapapa staff are a dedicated lot - it's in their job description to make sure the customer has a good time on the mountain. Quality customer service is paramount to the running of the ski-filed. Whakapapa work hard to Turn to page 14

Family s field

From page 13 achieve their goal and be the best professional ski-field in New. Zealand," says their marketing department. "It's been said that 1993 is the year Whakapapa comes of age. A new licensed cafeteria opens at Knoll Ridge together with a brand new cafeteria in Happy Valley. These new eating houses will relieve the pressure on existing facilities as well as provide tempting food and better seating. Attending to important details - there will also be double the number of toilets this season." There's a new grooming machine on its way from Kassbohrer and improved car parking and information services will enrich everyone's experience on the Magic Mountain. And the views will take your breath away.