NZsnowboard.com

10th February 2007

While the hot weather drives Kiwis to the water, snowsports enthusiasts will turn their thoughts to winter tonight (Thursday, February 8) as New Zealand?s premier ski areas offer 2007 Early Bird season passes for sale.

The Early Bird range of passes covering Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables are designed to ensure the ski areas are accessible to as many New Zealanders as possible. The range of passes available is similar to those offered in 2006 while price increases reflect the current climate of increased operating costs.

The passes offer the very best deals to those who buy on-line within the next month.

Once again, people can buy an nzskipass covering all three mountains, a Queenstown Pass or Mt Hutt Pass (each of these passes also include Ohau and a range of discounts at other South Island and overseas ski areas)

 ?We are committed to ensuring accessibility to our three ski areas for New Zealander?s and these passes provide fantastic value for the broadest possible range of skiers and riders. They recognise the geographical locations of our customers and keep prices real for our most loyal customers,? said Sales & Marketing Manager David Ovendale.

?Whilst economic reality has driven a price increase, we have tried to mitigate this through the added value we have delivered this year.  Full lift passes include discounts at a load of South Island ski areas in addition to the skiing/riding on offer at our 3 premier areas.  Queenstown?s involvement in the Leading Mountain Resorts of the World ?Endless Winter? programme and the ongoing Queenstown/Aspen, Colorado sister city relationship delivers international discounts to most of the pass types.?

This year the ski areas have introduced a time payment scheme to recognise the cash flow challenges some people may face in buying passes.

?We understand that even at these Early Bird prices, families in particular can find it difficult to pay for passes in one lump sum. This year those who choose to do so can pay in three instalments online at www.nzski.com.?

Continued investment in additional snowmaking and grooming machinery as well as significant investment in new rental equipment at each of the three ski areas reflects the company?s absolute ongoing commitment to a programme of development and improvement.

The nzskipass at $749 for an adult, $629 student $449 youth (7-17) and senior (65 ? 74) offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2007 season at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt, The Remarkables and Ohau Snow Fields. It also includes a 50% discount at 18 ski areas in the other Leading Mountain Resorts regions of Vail, Val Gardena and Bariloche as part of the Endless Winter programme. A range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA are also covered by the pass.  First Tracks is an optional extra.

The Queenstown Pass at $649 for an adult, $549 student, $349 youth and senior offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2007 season at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Ohau Snow Fields plus a 50% discount on day passes at Mt Hutt. It also includes a 50% discount at 18 ski areas in the other Leading Mountain Resorts regions of Vail, Val Gardena and Bariloche as part of the Endless Winter programme. A range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA are also covered by the pass.  First Tracks is an optional extra.

The First Tracks extension to the nzskipass and the Queenstown pass is on offer for $165. Available only at Coronet Peak, the extension offers an early morning snow experience between 8 and 9am as conditions and operational requirements allow. The extension is designed for those who want the earliest possible access to untracked powder or freshly groomed runs.

The Mt Hutt Pass at $549 for an adult, $449 student, $299 youth and senior offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2007 season at Mt Hutt and Ohau Snow Fields plus a 50% discount on day passes at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. A range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA are also covered by the pass.

The Mt Hutt Mid Week Pass at $299 for an adult, $199 student, $179 youth and senior, offers unlimited skiing and riding Monday ? Friday only at Mt Hutt and Ohau Snow Fields. On weekends at Mt Hutt and at any time at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables the pass holder is entitled to a Frequent Card discount on day lift.  On weekends Mt Hutt Mid Week pass holders pay full day rates at Ohau Snow Fields.

Children aged six and under at Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt will continue to receive a free day lift pass, while children aged 10 and under will receive a free day lift pass at The Remarkables.

People are strongly encouraged to purchase online at www.nzski.com to obtain the best possible prices and for access to the Early Bird time payment option. Application forms can be downloaded from the website and are also available from the snow centres in Queenstown and Methven and at leading ski retailers around the country. Physical applications will incur a $30 administration fee.

The Early Bird offers are only available until March 8, 2007 after which prices will increase to a pre-shoulder (9 March ? 19 April, 2007), shoulder (20 April ? 8 June, 2007) and then a main season rate.

* Additional benefits include discounts on day lift passes at Mt Dobson, Mt Lyford, Mt Olympus, Porter Heights, Rainbow, Temple Basin, Treble Cone in Wanaka and Aspen, Colorado.  All season pass holders are entitled to the following discounts at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt: 25% discount on afternoon Group Lessons (subject to availability), 10% discount at the on mountain retail outlets, (does not apply to sale items or other special offers) and 10% discount off workshop/repairs.

Further information: www.nzski.com or David Ovendale, sales and marketing manager for all three ski areas. Tel: 03 409 0816, email: david@nzski.com