NZsnowboard.com

20th February 2007

Great news for learner skiers and riders ? Coronet Peak will double its existing on-slope beginner facility this season, by adding a new 180m long and 30m wide slope equipped with a 150m long Kaser Ski Carpet Lift adjacent to the existing beginners slope.

Developing previously unused terrain, the 180m long learner slope and Kaser Ski Carpet stretches slightly downhill from the top of the existing Magic Carpet lift towards Heidi?s Restaurant at Rocky Gully.

Here also, four new automated snowmaking guns will deliver consistently good conditions to make turning and stopping as easy as possible.

Coronet Peak ski area manager Duncan Smith said that by doubling the learner terrain and adding a new Kaser Ski Carpet ? as well as extra snowmaking equipment ? the beginner?s experience this year would be significantly enhanced.

?The additional space will make for a much more comfortable and enjoyable learning environment and there is no doubt that carpet lifts make the whole experience so much easier,? he said.

?With these developments, we are providing the capacity to meet the expected growth in the number of people taking up skiing and boarding and to keep pace with the growth of Queenstown as New Zealand?s leading winter destination. This project also reflects our ongoing commitment to the development of Coronet Peak where we aim to deliver facilities that are second to none.?

Coronet Peak is scheduled to open on June 9.

For further information please contact media liaison Alexa Forbes, alexa@southernpr.co.nz, 03 441 1117.