Good start to skiing

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 6, 8 July 1986, Page 1

Good start to skiing

Turoa Skifield's opening day on Friday was probably the best ever with brilliant weather after last week's violent storms.

According to Turoa saies manager Andy Chapman it was possible to ski to the carpark for the first time ever on opening day. Last week's strong southerlies brought heavy snow falls to Turoa and the snow blower was kept busy clearing the Mountain Road. No sooner had the snow been shifted than it drifted back again. However by opening day the road was in first-class condition, though chains were required, and skiers were rolling in from far and wide. On Friday the Park Lane and Giant chairs were working plus one of the Alpine meadow platter lifts. It was hoped that T-bars and other tows will be working this week. All other facilities, including cafeterias, ski school, creche, ski patrol and ski hire are in operation. Over the weekend several thousand visitors converged on Turoa, though by Sunday the weather had closed in. About 1000 people visited the skifield on Saturday and enjoyed marvellous skiing. However the field closed about midday on Sunday because of strong winds. By Monday visibility was a bit murky with 25 knot westerlies but snow conditions were still very good. The snow is the best seen for several years however so

don't hesitate. Get up there and enjoy it! Whakapapa Whakapapa Skifield may be set for the best winter in four years. Fivedays of blizzard has left more than a metre of snow on the mountain. "It's looking very promising for the season. It's the earliest the upper lifts have ever opened," said Whakapapa Skifield supervisor Scottie Barrie on the opening day. High winds, gusting to 85 knots during last week's blizzard damaged some club huts at Iwikau Village. Several had broken windows and Tauranga Lodge lost part of its roof. The bad weather also stopped the ski patrol from working on their safety services. But patroller Rod Walker said that things were pretty much ready anyway. He is hoping that skiers will be careful this year. "It's basic. Come up prepared with warm clothes, expect the weather to change and don't ski beyond your ability," he said. Saturday was fine and very busy but snow was falling again by Sunday and field closed at midday. On Monday conditions were wet and the field opened and closed early in the morning. About 7000 people visited Whakapapa Skifield over the weekend.