REPORT FROM TUROA

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 8, 24 July 1984, Page 8

REPORT FROM TUROA

AHI Turoa Skifield's General Manager, MrTony Wright, recently returned from France where he attended a seminar on French skifield management. He was part of a select group of 20 representatives from skifields around the world invited to attend the seminar at the invitation of the French Government. Ski School Director John Ball has been preparing for the coming season, attending snow shows, talking to groups around the North Island and getting final organisation under way for this year's Ski Academies. John's concern for the optimum improvement of skiing standards has prompted him to institute a Race Academy at Turoa. It is aimed at skiers who wish to raise their level of skiing to a very high standard, based on a philosophy "that a disciplined pursuit of athletic excellence provides opportunities for personal growth and development." Training began during the July mid-term break and will be provided on weekends and selected weeks throughout the ski season. The top skiers in the programme will travel to the South Island for National Circuit races, the FIS series

and the National Championships. Peter Sutton, the Ski Patrol Leader, will again head the team of professional patrollers at Turoa. Peter has been at Turoa since its inception in 1978 and has accrued a wealth of knowledge about Turoa's weather and snow conditions and is responsible for the high standard of emergency care available on the mountain. He is aided by eight fulltime patrollers (many returning from a winter overseas) and, a full-time Doctor and nurse. The extension to the patrol centre now provides a sterile area for suturing etc, and the new 4WD emergency vehicle purchased last year is

performing to expectations. Extensive modifications were made over summer to the Jumbo T-bar. Operations Manager Warren Newland and his team are optimistic about a trouble-free lift operation again this season. The snow fencing installed over summer has certainly proved its worth. The fences on the Jumbo T-bar were evident over Queen's Birthday weekend, distinguished by the large mounds of snow around them! Unfortunately the rest of the mountain still needed another fall of snow before it would have been possible to open the upper facilities. A chain fitting service will operate again on the Ohakune Mountain Road this season. Using air jacks

chains can be fitted in a matter of minutes. The Turoa Alpine Village was a hive of industry over summer. Over 20 new lodges and chalets were built and finishing touches were being completed before the first snowfalls in town. This season all T uroa staff are eligible for an overseas trip at the end of the winter, the prize being given to that staff member who was judged by the public to be the most helpful and friendly. At selected times during the day members of the ski patrol will be taking tours from the top of the highest operating lift to show new skiers to Turoa where all the great skiing can be found. Numbers will be limited and the service is free.

SKI RUAPEHU