NZsnowboard.com

20th October 2007

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL operator of Mt Ruapehu) announced today that Turoa Ski Area will open for the last weekend in October if the weather is fine. RAL announced that both Whakapapa and Turoa would close after Labour Day Monday. However, strong demand from customers has prompted the decision.

Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager said that quite a few customers and local businesses were disappointed. ?The decision to close after Labour Weekend was a tough one but based on next week?s forecast and the very poor weather so far in October we felt we had little choice. We?d like to be able to offer customers the opportunity for one last snow fix if the weather gods play the game.?

Turoa will operate the Movenpick Chairlift for access to the new High Noon Express High Speed chairlift for Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th if the weather co-operates. Unfortunately there won?t be any beginner facilities open but people can ride the chairlift for sightseeing and to play in the snow.

?Provided both days start out fine and clear then we?ll open. Well operate with a skeleton crew ? so it looks like I?ll be on the BBQ,? Mike Smith said.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager. Ph: 021 224 2100