NZsnowboard.com

24th January 2008

Held for the first time last year, the very popular summer open day at Mt Hutt Ski Area is to be repeated on Sunday, February 17th.  

Organised by the Mt Hutt Ski Area and Methven Lions, the day gives people who do not normally visit the top of Mt Hutt the chance to enjoy stunning views usually only viewed by winter ski visitors.

A massive six-seater chairlift will carry visitors to the summit where views can be had of nearby mountain ranges, the Southern Alps, including Mt Cook, and the Canterbury Plains from Christchurch to Timaru.   

Mountain bike enthusiasts are also welcome to ride the chair lift with their bikes and descend through the ski field.
The terrain is so steep that even mountain bikes can cause erosion so mountain biking will be restricted to the four-wheel-drive tracks that descend from the summit.
 
?This is a great community event that raises funds for a local cause and involves lots of people in the community,? said David Wilson, Mt Hutt Ski Area manager.
?This year the event will be largely supported by sponsorship from MoreFM, Grant Hood Contracting and Methven Travel.?

At last year?s open day many visitors walked down the skifield tracks.

?This is a fun option for most people. Heavy shoes are advisable and drink stations will provide water on the way down.?

For those wishing to see the sights in style, scenic flights in a helicopter will be available from the ski field car park.

Caf? seating will be open for those wanting to watch proceedings and visitors can either bring their lunch or enjoy barbeque food cooked by Methven Lions.

The access road will be open from 9am and the chair lift will run from 10am.   

To avoid queues the chairlift will be available for walkers from 10am - 1pm and for mountain bikers from 1pm ? 4pm.
 
Entry cost is $20 per person or $40 for a family.   Children under 12 are free.   The admission price includes free travel on the chairlift.   Proceeds from the open day will go towards the Methven Heritage Project and the Methven Children's Recreational Area and Skate Park and Methven Plunket.

Mr Wilson advises that while the road up the mountain is able to be negotiated in a family car, it is not a highway, and for those who are reluctant to drive, Methven Travel will operate a bus service from the square in Methven from 9.30am onwards.   This will cost $20 per person (03 3028 106)

If the weather is unsuitable, the open day will be held the following Sunday with information available on the Mt Hutt snow phone (03 308 5074) and website (nzski.com).


Contacts

David Wilson,  Mt Hutt Ski Area  Manager
ph 0274 386 422

Ken Lowe   Vice President, Methven Lions Club
ph 03 302 8774