Ski and Board Update 2008
Winter is on the way and that means skiing and snow boarding are back on the menu!
New Zealand’s wide open runs and reliable weather conditions make for a fantastic snow experience. From extreme terrain parks to heli-skiing in the majestic Southern Alps, there's something to entice everyone. So pack your boots and boards, and get ready for some winter fun.
SKIING AND BOARDING - NORTH ISLAND
Turoa and Whakapapa
On the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, Turoa and neighbouring Whakapapa combined form the country's largest developed ski area, with 30 groomed trails and off-piste areas for freestyle skiing and boarding. In 2008, skiers and boarders will enjoy the full benefit of the recent $19 million upgrade, including a 1.4km long high-speed chairlift that whisks 3200 people an hour up the slopes. The snowmaking system has been tripled in size and the base area cafe and retail complex have doubled to seat 400 people. A flexible lift pass lets you ski or board at both fields and, until the end of April, you can buy a season pass - check out www.mtruapheu.com for more information.
SKIING AND BOARDING - SOUTH ISLAND
Lake Wanaka Winter Resort (Cardrona Valley)
For the added bonus of fantastic lake and mountain views, you need only head south. Things are in place for another bumper snow season in the South Island, with plenty of accommodation to cater for the influx of skiers. Lake Wanaka Winter Resort has a raft of developments planned for its four alpine resorts, most of which should be up and running in time for this year's season. Cardrona Alpine Resort's multi-million-dollar refit includes new snowmaking guns and a brand new high-speed detachable quad chairlift, which will cut the lift journey time by almost two thirds. There is also a new triple jump for boarders to play on in the Advanced Terrain Park.
Treble Cone boasts some of the country's best intermediate runs and great free riding terrain for boarders and skiers. New this season are the Burton Learn To Ride programme for beginner snowboarders, state-of-the-art snow guns to improve snow coverage in the Home Basin, and a Freeride Programme aimed at teens from 13-17 years. Trails in the Saddle Basin have also been groomed and widened.
Boarders can continue to polish their skills at the Southern Hemisphere's only dedicated terrain park resort, Snow Park NZ. This purpose-built resort has some of the most innovative freestyle terrain around. This year's improvements include a new Slopestyle Lane for intermediate jumps and a redeveloped Half Pint Park for beginners. Boarders can also enjoy the newly introduced benefits of night skiing and riding two evenings a week, from 4-9pm. Buy an individual night riding pass or just purchase an 'add-on' to your day pass.
Also in the Cardrona Valley is New Zealand’s only Nordic cross-country ski track, the Snow Farm NZ, with 55km of trails groomed and snow fenced for a smooth journey. Skiers can opt to experience a fantastic night in the wilderness, sleeping in an authentic back country musterers' hut. The newly renovated Meadows Hutt is just an easy ski along the Nordic tracks, and can sleep up to 20 people.
Coronet Peak Ski Area & The Remarkables Ski Area
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Ski Areas are among the country's favourite, and ideally placed to enjoy Queenstown's superb nightlife, restaurants, accommodation and activities. A daily shuttle service out to the fields makes getting to the snow even easier.
This year, Coronet Peak Ski Area is boosting its snow production with 141 new snow guns - part of a massive $30 million snowmaking project designed to create better skiing and boarding surfaces and more skiable terrain. The resort's base area is also being redeveloped.
Boarders visiting The Remarkables Ski Area this year will be in for a treat with The Stash - a state-of-the-art natural environment that is only the third run of its kind worldwide and the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Riders will discover rock-wall rides, log jibs, cliff drops, a stone hut and other one-of-kind-obstacles - even the signs are designed to be jibbed.
Mt Hutt
Located in Canterbury in the heart of the Southern Alps, Mt Hutt Ski Area enjoys the country's longest ski season, and the bustling village of Methven provides plenty of après ski fun after the sun goes down. Projects already underway for the 2008 season are an additional 23 snow guns for improved coverage on the main trails and a new Mini Terrain Park for beginner boarders. If you're heading down over September, you can also catch the action of the highest ranking ski race in Australasia - the ANC Cup finals.
Heli-skiing/boarding
For those who want to set their own pace and enjoy more freedom, heli-skiing and boarding are the perfect option. New Zealand has a range of professional operators catering for all levels from first-timers to seasoned free riders used to deep powder snow and off-piste conditions. There are thousands of vertical feet of untracked snow and best of all, you get to enjoy that stunning mountain scenery along the way as you tackle those pristine powder fields.
Check out Alpine Heli Ski NZ.
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