NZsnowboard.com

2nd March 2007

 Snowsports enthusiasts have only days left to buy the cheapest season passes for New Zealand?s premier ski areas Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and/or Mt Hutt in Canterbury.

The Early Bird range of passes covering the three ski areas and Ohau in the MacKenzie country, offer the lowest possible prices to those who buy before midnight on Thursday, March 8.

Ski areas Sales and Marketing Manager David Ovendale said the Early Bird passes offered the best value in advance of the 2007 season and ensured the ski areas were kept accessible to as many New Zealander?s as possible.

?There are a variety of passes offering a range of geographically based options ranging from unlimited skiing and riding at Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables to a mid-week only pass for Mt Hutt. Most of the passes also include unlimited access to Ohau in the MacKenzie Country as well.?

While price increases this year reflected the current climate of increased operating costs, Mr. Ovendale said that efforts to mitigate this included a range of discounts at other South Island and overseas ski areas with each of the passes. *

An installment option has also been introduced to assist families and those who have a greater need to manage their cash flows. Using this option, payment can be made in three installments over a three month period to ensure passes are as accessible as possible.

People are strongly encouraged to purchase online at www.nzski.com to obtain the best value prices. 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. Physical applications will incur a $30 administration fee.

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 Southern Alpine Recreation?s absolute ongoing commitment to a programme of development and improvement.

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