Ski start for $20

Ruapehu Bulletin, 22 June 1993, Page 8 (Supplement)

Ski start for $20

New skiers are being given the chance to experience the thrill of the sport again this winter for just $20 with the New Zealand Ski Council's 'Let's Go Skiing New Zealand' programme. The campaign, which is designed to introduce newcomers to the sport, offers a package of rental equipment, a beginner's lesson by a professjonal instructor and a day's access to the learner's slopes for only $20 per person. Skiing is growing rapidly in popularity, with New Zealand's ski areas selling 1,011,000 lift passes last year. This was the first time the million mark had been reached and represents a 45 percent increase over the last four

years. In part, this mcrease is attributable to the success of the 'Let's Go Skiing New Zealand' programmp, which over five years has helped more than 30,000 people take up skiing. A survey of 1991 participants showed that nearly half had returned to the slopes by the end of the next season. Miles Davidson, Executive Director of the New Zealand Ski Council said the aim of the programme is to allow people to try out skiing in a structured and very affordable way. "We want people to enjoy their early experiences of skiing. 'Let's Go Skiing New Zealand' helps you learn faster, gain technique and confidence and therefore makes the experience

that mucn more enjuyable". he said. "Based on previous programmes, we're confident that a large proportion of those taking part will continue to ski in the future." This year 10 ski areas will host the programme, including Whakapapa and Turoa. Last year the New Zealand Ski Council ran two programmes and this year's campaign will take the same format. The 'early season' programme which runs from 24 July to 1 August, will require registrations at participating ski retail shops around New Zealand between 21 June and 16 July. The second programme, a 'spring promotion', will run from late September to early October.