Fun for first timers

Ruapehu Bulletin, 3 August 1993, Page 8 (Supplement)

Fun for first timers

Thousands of people are taking up the chance to try skiing for the first time on Ruapehu, with the "Let's. Go Skiing" programme. Just $20 buys a lift pass, ski hire and a lesson at Turoa, Whakapapa or one of seven South Island fields during the two periods, one running right now and one from 25 September to 3 October. "The Let's Go Skiing" New Zealand programme gives you a unique opportunity to experience the magic of skiing and to find out for yourself what a fantastic, enjoyable, easy and accessible sport it is," says New Zealand's top skier, Annelise Coberger. Annelise was at Whakapapa's Happy Valley on Saturday helping the programme along with NZ Ski Council representatives Miles Davidson and Jane Patterson. New skier Jenny Pirie, who enjoyed some time skiing with Annelise, said she found the programme to be a great introduction. She tells of her goal to be able to ski on the platter lift - something she manages to do on the second day, with the help of her instructors. NZ Ski Council representative Miles Davidson said this year's programme looks set to match previous year's numbers, with about 5000 people taking on the programme in this early session and 3,000-4,000 expected in the late season. Last year 9000 people took advantage of the offer. About 200 people per

day skied at Whakapapa's Happy Valley and between 150-200 at Turoa's Alpine Meadow. "Happy Valley is the ideal beginner area," said Mr Davidson. "It's a selfcontained learner's area with tows and a platter lift, ski hire, cafeteria and snow making." He said the weather this

season had been kind to the programme, with no closed days at Turoa or Whakapapa - just fine days. After two hours on Saturday morning of smiling for umpteen dozen photographs to help promote the programme, what would Annelise say? "Let's go skiing!"