NZsnowboard.com

27th September 2006

Labour weekend will be this season?s final fling for Canterbury?s Mt Hutt ski area.

Still enjoying one of the best winter seasons for many years, ski area manager David Wilson today confirmed the ski area will be looking to stay open until the end of Labour weekend, October 23. Expected closure date was originally the 15 October but because of the excellent base an extra week was considered the best way to finish off the season.

?We?ve had a fantastic season and expect to top it off with a superb spring fling on the snow.  The conditions are possibly the best in the South Island and spring is a great time to visit with plenty of sunshine and awesome views across the Canterbury Plains.?

Mr Wilson urges people to take advantage of the great skiing and riding on offer over the next few weeks.

?With well over a metre base on main trails and still some great off trail spring skiing the set up is great for fantastic spring. Combined with school holidays, warm weather and some great events, it makes now a fabulous time to visit.?

The events lineup over the next few weeks includes the South Island Junior Alpine Giant Slalom and Slalom races which take place on September 27 & 28, the annual Peak 2 Pub on the 30th and the K2 Telemark Series on October 7.

At 2086m above sea level, Mt. Hutt typically has one of the longest ski seasons in the Southern Hemisphere lasting from early June to late October.  Mt Hutt opened for the 2006 season on June 10.

Following investment last year into lift and trail infrastructure, Mt Hutt?s Summit Six, six seater chairlift offers access to many trails while the novice area is serviced by a dedicated quad chair. A 140m long Magic Carpet into the beginners area means that Mt Hutt has some of the best facilities in the country alongside the best mix of terrain.

ENDS

Further information:  Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager David Wilson:  027 438 6422, www.nzski.com