Spring skiing keeps on keeping on

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 508, 19 October 1993, Page 3 (Supplement)

Spring skiing keeps on keeping on

Whakapapa Over 4000 skiers took to the slopes of Whakapapa Skifield on the weekend to enjoy the plentiful spring skiing. The field' s Happy Valley beginner facilities closed two weeks ago due to a lack of snow on the lower slopes. The Pinnacles area is marginal and looks likely to close this week. Thirty-six hopefuls tried out for Whakapapa' s race development and flyers programmes on Saturday. Organisers were screening up and coming skiers for the 1994 programme. This Saturday is the Montana wines snow piqnic, happeningbetween 12-2pm at Twin Rocks in the West Ridge area. Visitors will have the opportunity to partake in finger foods and a selection of wines, courtesy of Montana and Whakapapa Skifield. Also happening this weekend is the Grand Chateau Ball. Tickets are available from the Chateau's reception desk. For more in-

formation, phone (07) 8923 809. Turoa Turoa Ski Resort enjoyed another excellent weekend, with around 5000 visitors to the slopes. Turoa promotions manager Rob Jewell, reports that there is excellent skiing still to be had from top to bottom of the field. All facilities are still operating. The weekend 's Mumm Champagne ski demo by Turoa ski instructors attracted a lot of attention. Last Wednesday's Peak to Powderkeg attracted 26 competitors. First over the line was local man Chris Thrupp, with a time of 32.31. Run-ner-up was Rick CassellsBrown, finishing in 36.52. First woman was Petra Specht, in 43.39. Runnerup was Marrilyn Beggs in a time of 45.75. Winners took away a 1 994 Turoa season pass and a $200 Powderzone voucher. Runners-up received a $50 voucher. The winning team was one fielded by Turoa Ski Area, consisting of Steve Stewart, Steve Webster and

Billy Rountree. A Scott mountain bike spot prize was won by 'Little Joe' from the Ohakune Hotel. Mark Rawlinson won a pair of K2 skis in another spot prize. This Friday skiers can enjoy two hours' extra skiing with Turoa' s twilight skiing. Passes may be purchased after 3pm for $22. The Columbia sportswear disabled versus ablebodied ski race will run this Saturday, weather permitting. The gold medal-win-ning disabled ski team that represented NZ at the 1983 Disabled Olympics at Innsbruck will be pitted against a similarly "disabled" Turoa team. The race promises to be a great spectator event. Catch the action at the Top of the Giant at 10am. This Saturday and Sunday athe Diet Pepsi bumper sticker gi veaway promotion gets under way, after being postponed the previous weekend. Turoa advises that the field will remain open until Sunday 14 November, weather and snow conditions permitting.