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3rd June 2009

 -Hectic snowmaking and bluebird days ensure early opening for Turoas Alpine Meadow-

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, operator of Mt Ruapehu, has confirmed it will be opening Turoas Alpine Meadow beginners area this Saturday (6 June), two weeks earlier than planned.
 
Good weather following the weekends snowfall has ensured perfect snowmaking conditions on both sides of Mt Ruapehu, but this will be the first time Turoa has opened this early in its history.  Turoa will open further upper mountain lifts as scheduled on 20 June, including the High Noon Express, and expects to be able to offer top-to-bottom skiing from day one. Whakapapa is on schedule to open on 27 June.
 
Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager, says its a rarity for the upper mountain to open this early so it will be the first time the High Noon Express will open on the first day.
 
Since we opened the High Noon Express in 2007, we havent had the base to support opening the upper mountain, so we are going to make the most of this opportunity, says Mr Smith.
 
We would open the Ski Area earlier if we could, but logistically theres a lot to organise. Weve got 250 new staff starting their induction and training week on 15 June, and its impossible to change that around. Its great to know though that we are able to get Alpine Meadow up and going so that the early starters can get a flavour for what the season will hopefully bring.
 
All Turoa rental facilities, snow school, the Vertical Retail store and Alpine Cafe will also be open for business this Saturday.
 







LINK:   www.mtruapehu.com







 
ENDS
 
For more information, please contact:
 
Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager
P: 021 224 2100