NZsnowboard.com

29th November 2007

Loyal winter customers at New Zealand?s premier ski areas Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt are to be rewarded with a Loyalty Pass offer for the 2008 snow season.

The offer enables all 2007 Southern Alpine Recreation season pass holders to purchase any 2008 season pass at 2007 prices, despite the current $20 million plus redevelopment of the Coronet Peak ski area and a continuing capital expenditure programme at Mt Hutt and The Remarkables.
 
Customers have from midnight tonight (Thursday 29th November) until midnight Sunday 16th December to take advantage of the offer. The Loyalty Pass is available online only at www.nzski.com.

Ski Areas General Manager Sales and Marketing David Ovendale said the new initiative was launched as a response to a recent season pass holder satisfaction survey which indicated regular winter customers would like to see acknowledgement of their ongoing support.

 ?This is our way of thanking our regular skiers and boarders for their amazing support over the years,? said Mr Ovendale. ?We appreciate there has been some concern about prices rising in response to greatly improved facilities, particularly at Coronet Peak.  While no prices have yet been set for 2008 passes, we want to reassure our 2007 season pass holders that they will enjoy another season at last year?s rates.?

At Coronet Peak, two major development projects are already underway.  A vastly improved base building is under construction while preparation for a massive snowmaking project is also taking place.  

The investment follows recent development projects including the installation of a high speed 6-seater chairlift, upgraded snowmaking and terrain facilities and a doubling of the dedicated beginners? slopes and surface lift facilities.

All projects are designed to ensure improved service and to provide more consistent snow conditions through snowmaking and terrain development.

?Continued development at all three ski areas is a reflection of the company?s absolute ongoing commitment to improving the winter snow holiday experience year after year, and the Loyalty Pass has been introduced to ensure maximum accessibility for our core skiers and boarders,? said Mr Ovendale.

Buyers of the Loyalty Pass are not limited to the pass type previously purchased.  Anyone holding a 2007 pass can buy any of the 2008 passes from the following range.

The nzskipass at $749 for an adult, $629 student $449 youth (7-17) and senior (65 ? 74) offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2008 season at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt, The Remarkables.  It is anticipated additional ski area benefits including Ohau, Leading Mountain Resorts of the World and other South Island partner group areas will be similar or the same as in 2007 however due to the timing of this pass sale are not yet confirmed.  First Tracks as an optional extra is also available in the Loyalty Pass sales period.

The Queenstown Pass at $649 for an adult, $549 student, $349 youth/senior offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2008 season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables with day lift ticket rates at Mt Hutt at 50% of the normal price.  Again it is anticipated additional ski area benefits including Ohau, Leading Mountain Resorts of the World and other South Island partner group areas will be similar or the same as in 2007 however due to the timing of this pass sale are not yet confirmed.  First Tracks as an optional extra is also available in the Loyalty pass sales period.   

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/senior offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2008 season at Mt Hutt plus a 50% discount on day passes at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Additional benefits will be announced later although these are anticipated to be similar to/the same as those in 2007.

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. 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 tickets.  On weekends Mt Hutt Mid Week pass holders pay full day pass rates.  Additional benefits to be confirmed.

Children aged six and under at all three ski areas will receive a free day lift pass.

Visit the NZski.com website - www.nzski.com



Further information: David Ovendale
General Manger -Sales & Marketing
03 409 0816 or david@nzski.com