First slide on Ruapehu's slopes

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 485, 11 May 1993, Page 2 (Supplement)

First slide on Ruapehu's slopes

by

jane

Doeski

My friend Eloise, often prone to exaggeration, hadn't skied in years. She claimed the last time she attempted the sport she wore laceup boots and wooden-

skis and watched amazed as the skiing elite whizzed past bashing beginners with bamboosticks. Understandably then, it was with a certain reluctance she agreed to

join me for a skiing holiday at Whakapapa. Armed with the best skiapparel, (if she couldn't ski properly she was at least going to look good doing it), Eloise arrived apprehensively at the 'Top-o'-the-Bruce for her first day on the slopes. We decided to both take lessons. At best I'm a mediocre intermediate and Eloise elected to be an absolute beginner and take advantage of the 'First Timer' package. This meant for one price she could hire boots ('remarkably comfy' she said), skis and poles, have an hour and a half lesson and then puddle around for the rest of the day in Happy Valley using all the lifts and facilities. The 'First Timer' signs at the ticket booth gave Eloise clear directions and she was soon being organised by one of the 'First Timer' hostesses. The hostesses issue beginners with tickets, show you where all the facilities are and help you get 'geared up'. The hostess explained that lessons begin three times a day, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. Although there are three beginners areas at Whakapapa the 'First Timer' package concentrates on Happy Valley.

Happy Valley is great for beginners. It's nonthreatening, with gentle slopes and plenty of room. Snow-making guarantees the field opens at Queen's Birthday weekend and this year there's a brand new cafeteria matching the excellent ski hire building opened in

1992. As well, any intimidating experts are well out of sight and falling over is an expected and accepted part of the experience. Eloise had a ball. At the end of her first day, she was bubbling with enthusiasm and visualised being New Zealand's next downhill

racer. Her instructor had instilled an easy confidence together with the basic principles of skiing all in an atmosphere of fun and good humour. "If you're not having fun, I'm not doing my job properly," the instructor said. Surprised at how easy day one had been Eloise

decided (while easing her newly discovered muscles in the local hot pools) that the next day she was going to be more daring and challenge herself to go higher. For novices, getting on and off chairlifts can be a bit tricky but the Turn to page 5

First slide

From page 2 Whakapapa ski field staff are well trained and remarkably helpful. Eloise couldn't believe that after one day she was heading up 2000 metres to Knoll Ridge. It was a perfect Mt Ruapehu day - plenty of sunshine and snow. The view alone was breathtaking. Once again we elected to take skilessons. I joined the morning class and Eloise opted for a private instructor for some intensive tuition. By the time we met for lunch, Eloise had

rnastcred the Pinnaclcs Platter and Hut Flat rope tow and was ready to take on the Waterfall T bar. If anything her enthusiasm had grown and she was already planning a return trip. "I'H ski down from the Crater next year," she said. At the end of the day we felt deliciously happy. Great skiing, value for money, quality instruction from helpful friendly staff and it had all been so easy to arrange. Whakapapa had lived up to its reputation as the 'Magic Mountain'.