Great spot of weather greets skiers

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

Great spot of weather greets skiers

Whakapapa Skifield enjoyed massive crowds both days of the weekend, with an estimated 7,300 visitors enjoying the continuing excellent skiing. All facilities were operational, with the exception of the Pinnacles Platter Lifts and Rock Garden Chair. The Centennial Chair is operational for access only. New snow was reported to be falling on Monday morning, so visitors to the slopes this week can look forward to more great skiing. The Fresh Up Giant Slalom attracted 62 competitors on both days, with some excellent times

recorded. Results: Day 1 -Men: Chris Mosaed (1), 87.55; Kazuhiko Hayashi (2), 91.75; Ben Tidswell (3), 92.16. Women: Annica Haywood (1), 92.78; Angela Huppert (2), 97.60; Midori Sekiguchi (3), 97.71. Day 2 - Men: Chris Mosaed (1), 81.27; Todd Haywood (2), 82.67; Ewan Howden (3), 86.77. Women: Annika Haywood (1), 83.75; Angela Huppert (2), 92.23; Kirsten Stevens (3), 92.54. Turoa Turoa Skifields is close to breaking its record for the most consecutive days open, with 24 days recorded as of yesterday.

The record of 28 days was set in 1983, but looks set to be broken with the long-range forecast for favourable weather. Around 5,000 visitors to the slopes on the weekend enjoyed the field's extensively groomed trails and facilities. All facilities were operational, except

the Winter Garden Platter Lift 2. The weekend's DB Dummy Downhill event attracted five entries, with some spectacular runs made by the 'competitors'. One dummy effortlessly cleared the course's jump, landed on

its skis and broke through the barrier, before speedily making its way towards the frozen waterfall. It took a flying rugby tackle by a Turoa staff member to curtail its run. This Wednesday is Turoa's Orientation Day, with selected local business people invited to

spend a day meeting the management staff and viewing the facilities. Turoa will provide a lunch for its visitors, who will be free to ski the remainder of the day, at the ski field's expense.

This weekend is the Rossignol 'Dash for the Stash', with its prize pool of $10,000. More information can be obtained by contacting Turoa Ski Resort, ph 385 8456.