BUSY TUROA SEASON

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 24, 5 November 1985, Page 5

BUSY TUROA SEASON

The staff at Turoa Skifields have experienced probably the busiest season since Turoa opened, says promotions manager, Andy Chapman. One of the main reasons for the good season was the big fall of snow in early July when about one and a half metres fell in two days. "That stood us in good stead for the rest of the season and it provided a good base so that skiers were able to use all the facilities," he said. "After two poor seasons, it was important they could ski to the carpark." INTRO-PACK There was a good response to the Intro-Pack, a new package where firsttime skiers were taken up the mountain and given a thorough introduction to skiing. This year was the first time Turoa ran such a package and Andy said they introduced a lot of people to the sport. Alpine Meadow, a new area for beginners, opened this year and proved to be great for first-time skiers. Although the snow making machine was ready to go this yeaf, it was not used because there was plenty of snow in the first part of the season. Later, when it was needed, the night-time temperatures were too warm and humid to use it. This year Turoa has played host to the Subaru National Championships, the Disabled Skiers National Championships, and New Zealand Speed Skiing trials, where a new record was set. SPEED SKIING According to Andy, the secretary of the New Zealand Speed Skiing Association, Martin Jones, said that Turoa is the best place to hold the trials. Previously, they have always been held on South Island fields, but Mr Jones said that the snow conditions at Turoa were excellent and the Mangaeheuheu Glacier area was perfect for the trials. The North Island Secondary Schools Championships were also held at Turoa, with the biggest number of competitors ever, as well as the McDonalds Cup and the Homestyle Rossignol Cup. Ski guiding proved popular this year, with patrollers taking people to areas outside the skifield. Over 1000 skiers took advantage of the free service. The Ski Academy, with an almost completely new group of instructors, worked well again this year, Andy said. "We have also had more overseas visitors this year, especially Japanese and Australians," he said. Turoa Skifields close today.