Turoa builds more chain fitting bays to speed up mtn road trip

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 585, 9 May 1995, Page 11 (Supplement)

Turoa builds more chain fitting bays to speed up mtn road trip

Turoa has built a new chain fitting bay on the Ohakune Mountain Road in an effort to provide better access to the mountain on icy-road days. The bay is near the 1 1 kilometre mark, on the straight stretch of road sometimes called the 'Mad Mile'. It is 280 metres long and provides space for 60-70 cars. It is separate from the road and one to two metres higher. Turoa mountain manager Grant McMasters said they plan to 'see saw' the use of the bays to make best use of the spaces. It is hoped the position of the new bay will mean it is useful for when chains are required from both the 1 3 kilometre mark and nine kilometres, with the worst low-altitude road area just above the new bay.

The new bay, worth about $35,000, took 1800 cubic metres of top material which came from the authorised car park behind the administration block at the base area. They plan to assess the situation through this season to see if and where further chain fitting bays are necessary. Turoa have also won the sole rights to provide a chain fitting service on the mountain road and they have bought 400 pairs of chains and have two chain trailers so they can set up at two different locations. Also, additional buses to shuttle guests from the lower car parks to the base area are to be provided to help people get onto the snow faster and without a mammoth hike up the hill to start the day.