NZsnowboard.com

4th March 2008

The installation of two new surface conveyor lifts in the dedicated beginners area, the addition of 13 snow guns, the introduction of four purpose built 4WD guest buses and the launch of The Stash freestyle run are enhancements underway at The Remarkables for the 2008 winter season.

Ross Lawrence, Ski Area Manager for The Remarkables, said the new conveyor lifts will improve the learning experience by making the very best use of the large beginners area and will boost confidence for those new to snowsports.

?By adding two new lifts, one 77m long and the other 32m, to our novice area we?ve created a far more attractive and accessible space. The lifts will be located next to the existing 110m conveyor and are very easy to access. Learners only have to walk or slide onto them as opposed to grabbing onto the hand tow, which has now been removed.

?This is a great mountain for families. As parents relax on the sun deck they can watch their children learn to ski or ride right in front of them,? said Mr Lawrence.

As part of the continued snowmaking development programme at The Remarkables the addition of 13 fixed position fan guns will bring the total to 44.

?Adding more snow guns enables us to get trails up and running sooner and enhance the quality of trail surfaces when we need to during the season.?

Four new purpose-built 4WD Man diesel powered buses will also commence operation early in the season.

The 44-seater buses with extra wide doorways and large equipment storage areas will transport customers to and from the ski area in comfort.

?We?re keen to support our guests who need assistance to reach us and encourage fuel-efficient transportation. Our new buses will offer return transport operating from The Station building on Queenstown?s Duke Street, stopping in Frankton and at the bottom of The Remarkables access road.?


Creating 'The Stash' at The Remarkables

On schedule for its winter 2008 opening, earthworks are progressing well in the creation of The Stash, the kilometer long freestyle run adding a new dimension at this already great freestyle mountain for freestyle snow users. The Stash follows the natural lines of The Remarkables and features rock-wall rides, log jibs, cliff drops and other natural obstacles.

?We?ve already moved around 2000m3 of material and the first 'Rock Drop' in The Stash has been constructed, featuring a 2.5m drop and, for the more daring, a 4m drop. We?re extremely pleased with progress and will now get going on features to be dotted along the trail and the final drawings for an exciting prime feature yet to be announced.?

Created by Jake Burton and the Burton team riders, The Stash is only the third run of its kind worldwide and the first in the Southern Hemisphere.

Reminder:  Early Bird Season Passes for The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt and are on sale until March 6.


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For more information, www.nzski.com or contact Ross Lawrence on 027 555 6698