NZsnowboard.com

5th September 2007

Saturday August 25th was the biggest day in the history of Mt Ruapehu with a massive 12,500 skier visits. The previous largest day was the same Saturday in 2005 with 10,900 skier visits. Turoa had its biggest day ever with just over 6,000 skier visits, surpassing it?s previous best of 5,300 in 2005. The new six seater high speed High Noon Express chairlift really performed well ?eating? queues and giving people more time on the snow.

Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager, Mike Smith said a fine forecast and great conditions was the perfect mix. ?We?ve had great weather all week and cold clear conditions keeping the snow in great condition and allowing for some good snowmaking as well.?

The last two weeks of July and first two of August saw a spell of miserable weather where the sun barely shone. ?We were getting some good snowfalls but were pretty sun deprived, so its been great for customers and staff alike to enjoy some fine weather,?, Mike Smith said.

Skier visits for the week to Sunday 26th will exceed 45,000 which is by far the biggest of the 2007 season. ?Ruapehu really comes into its own from now on with spring being the best time for skiing and riding. The forecasters are calling for a more settled spring so hopefully we?ll be able to enjoy heaps more great times on the snow this season,? says Mike Smith.

Whakapapa has the biggest snow base in the country with 205cm and Turoa second on 165cm. Both Ski Areas will stay open until at least the end of October.


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For further information, please contact:
Mike Smith
Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager
Phone: 021 224 2100