Snow dump lifts ski spirits

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 490, 15 June 1993, Page 6

Snow dump lifts ski spirits

Mountain staff are looking considerably happier after the weekend's dumping of snow on both Turoa and Whakapapa skifields. Whakapapa Skifield reported 20cm new snow on their upper slopes and between 5- 10cm at the Top O' the Bruce. At the

time of going to print yesterday, heavy snow was falling all over the mountain, with more predicted. Whakapapa Skifield officials said the plummeting on-mountain temperatures will aid snow making in the Happy Valley and ensure

another early opening. Whakapapa opened at Queen's Birthday Weekend with limited beginner's facilities available and sightseeing from the Waterfall Express and Centennial Chairlifts, but was later forced to close due to heavy rain and high

winds. Turoa Between 15 -20cm of new snow fell at Turoa over the weekend, providing a thrill for the 100-plus employees that converged for two days' pre-season staff training, Staff completed an intensive' schedule that in-

cluded passing a Kiwihost Customer Service Training course, specific job training, orientation of the skifield and mountain safety. Turoa promotions coordinator Rob Jewell, said the course was a great success, if the per-

sonal evaluation sheets filled out by each trainee are any indication. "By all accounts everyone got a lot out of it", he said. "It's a great opportunity for staff and extremely beneficial for them. Foremost, its making sure our customers get the best service from our staff."