NZsnowboard.com

23rd April 2008

A Queenstown based heli-ski operator has been granted the first ever concession from the Department of Conservation to operate in public conservation land in Southland.
 
Alpine Heli Ski Ltd can now access terrain in the Livingston Mountains, Mt Mavora and Tooth Peak areas, located between Lake Te Anau and Lake Wakatipu, from the start of the heli-ski season in July.

 
The area boasts peaks as high as 2,100m due its close proximity to Fiordland and the Tasman Sea, with the Livingston Mountains receiving heavy snowfalls during the winter.
 
Alpine Heli Ski Ltd co-owner Tim OLeary said the company had been working closely with DOC for a number of years to ensure its operations would have minimal impact on the environment as well as making it a feasible heli-ski option for the company.
 
Were delighted to be the first operator to offer heliskiing in these beautiful backcountry areas of Southland, he said. Were hopeful that our close relationship with DOC will see more exciting heli-ski terrain become accessible in the future.
 
Mr OLeary said Alpine Heli Ski Ltds reputation as a professional, responsible, and environmentally aware operation were all factors that contributed to being granted the concession.
 
Alpine Heli Ski already offers the largest area of heli-ski terrain in New Zealand surrounding Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Cook, and has also secured permission to operate at Branches Station near Queenstown this season.
 
The Station is one of the largest high country stations in the South Island with peaks rising to over 2,000m.
 
Branches Station is an iconic New Zealand high country station and offers some of the best heliskiing in the Southern Lakes region, said Mr OLeary.
 
Mr OLeary said access to a vast range of terrain significantly increased the companys chances of finding perfect snow on any given day.
 
When I go skiing I want the best possible conditions I can find, and this is what were constantly aiming to achieve for our clients.
 
Alpine Heli Skis Early Bird offer is available again this season online at www.alpineheliski.com. Book before 1 July and receive a 10% discount on any package during August or 15% off any package during July and September.



LINK: www.alpineheliski.com