Turoa's busiest 1993 day

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 506, 5 October 1993, Page 2

Turoa's busiest 1993 day

Whakapapa and Turoa skifields were innundated with skiers who came in droves on the weekend to enjoy the plentiful spring skiing to be had. Turoa Turoa Ski Resort had their busiest day for the season on Saturday, with over 4000 visitors to the slopes.

Rumours that the 400plus learner skiers on the Alpine Meadow for the final day of the 'Let's Go Skiing' programme didn't have to learn to turn: they were just bouncing off one another, were unsubstantiated however, according to Turoa officials. The first twilight skiing

session on Friday 1 October was very successful, with a large number of passes sold after 3pm. Skiers on Saturday were treated with an extra half hour on the slopes. The final of the DietPepsi race series was run on the weekend, with some very fast times recorded. Fastest female was Kirsten Stevens; fastest male and overall winner of the series was Todd Haywood. The youngest competitor in the event was 5-year old Michael Young. This week, and on Friday 8 October, Yeti Club members 10 years and younger ski for free. This Saturday, skiers eight years and younger will get the opportunity to compete in the 'Small World Cup' ski races and show their competitive edge. Monday 11 October, and the 3rd annual Peak to Powderkeg is staged. Entries are available from the Powderkeg or can be picked up at the Service Desk at Turoa. Organisers advise that entries are limited. A brand new Scott mountain bike, K2 skis, ski poles and clothing are just some

of the spot prizes up for grabs. Winners of the womens' and mens' sections will take home a 1994 Turoa pass and $200 Powderzone vouchers. Runners-up receive a $50 Powderzone voucher. Competitors may also participate in teams of three (with one female member). The Peak to Powderkeg involves skiing 3km, a 5km run and a 12km bike ride down the mountain road, finishing at the Powderkeg at the Ohakune Junction. The competition finishes with a barbeque and prizegiving. , Whakapapa Whakapapa enjoyed a brilliant weekend both weather- wise and with the 1 0,000 visitors to the slopes. All facilities were operational and well-utilised. The BMW Masters races went off without a hitch, with some exceptional times recorded in both the men's and women's races. T wenty-nine women and a massi ve 83 men competed in this year's event. Results: women's - Leone Blomfield, 80.20, lst; Gill Rowe, 85.10, 2nd;

Sue Fox, 86.94, 3rd. Men's - Karl Burtscher, 78.59, lst;GusPretscherer, 79.76, 2nd; MauriceDykes, 80.70, 3rd. This weekend, and the Steinlager Blue Te Heuheu Trophy is on after a postponement from the previous week. Also happening on Sunday is a unique multi-sport event - the 'Slide, Stride and Ride'. Competitors may enter as a team or as an individual. The event starts at the West Ridge Quad, with competitors skiing to the bottom of the field. From there it is run to the Whakapapa Village, then by mountain bike to finish at Schnapps Hotel in National Park. Organisers say there are some great prizes up for grabs, including a Scott mountain bike. More information may be obtained by visiting the service desk at Whakapapa or by phoning (07) 892 3738 Whakapapa Skifield is aiming to stay open until mid-November, with facilities operational while snow conditions permit.