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13th November 2008

 First ever post-season sale follows record year at Mt Ruapehu highest number of visitors and first-ever 5m snow base at Turoa; record school holiday numbers.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (operator of Mt Ruapehu) is offering ski and snowboard enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase a 2009 season pass for only $350 from Monday (17 November) through until Sunday 30 November.
 
This is the first time that a major commercial Ski Area in New Zealand has taken the initiative to sell a next years season pass at the end of the current season.
 
Mt Ruapehu marketing manager, Mike Smith says ski areas in North America have been selling next seasons passes at the end of the current season for quite some time.
 
This is certainly a new initiative for New Zealand, but given the successful season weve had this year we have decided to make this opportunity available to our loyal customers. The price is a clear reduction from what was paid for the 2008 early-bird season passes, and we are confident that this initiative will be of interest to many customers, not just those who have purchased a season pass previously, says Mr Smith.
 
Mt Ruapehus Season Pass offers unlimited skiing for the entire 2009 season and will cost $350 for adults and $180 for youths (aged 18 and under).  These prices are significantly below the 2008 rates of $409 for an adult and $239 for a youth.  
 
Selling passes in November is great timing when you take into account they make ideal Christmas presents, and the reduced price represents great value.
 
Mr Smith says Mt Ruapehu has experienced yet another record season with snow conditions still good on the mountain.
 
Weve had an exceptional season this year with 200,000 visitors at Turoa - the highest number ever. There were 50,000 skier visits in a week during August, record school holiday numbers and a first-ever 5m snow base at Turoa in fact, Turoa still has a base of 3m and is open until this Sunday, says Mr Smith.
 
2009 Mt Ruapehu Season Passes can be purchased from Monday 17 November online at www.mtruapehu.com, or by phoning 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.  The rates for all phone and mail sales will be an additional $10, and there will be no student rate.






LINK:   www.mtruapehu.com






 
ENDS
 
For more information, please contact:
 
Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager
021 224 2100