Media Release…Media Release…Media Release…Media Release

Date: 9-January-2013 Release Date: Immediate

Discover Mt Hutt – Open Day scheduled for Sunday 17th February 2013

Spectacular alpine scenery for walkers, challenging trails for mountain bikers, warm hospitality and fun for families and the chance to discover the mountain are the draw cards during the Mt Hutt Ski Area’s bi-annual Open Day to be held on the Sunday 17th of February.

Discover Mt Hutt is a community effort with Methven Lions Club, Mt Hutt ski area staff and the bus drivers of Methven Travel giving their time to welcome visitors to the mountain and to raise money for causes supported by the Methven Lions, this year to include the Methven Aged People’s Welfare Association inc and the Ronald McDonald House.

Mt Hutt’s massive six-seater chairlift will carry families, walkers, bikes and bikers to the summit where, weather permitting, they will be able to enjoy unrivalled views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains. Visitors will be able to descend on the chairlift or walk or bike down from the summit.

“We’re delighted to welcome visitors again to Mt Hutt and support the Methven Lions. We do recommend visitors wear sturdy footwear and we will be providing water stations on the day. As the terrain is steep and erosion likely, riders must descend the summit on the four wheel drive tracks,” said ski-field area manager James McKenzie.

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

Café seating will be open for those wanting to watch proceedings and visitors will be able to enjoy great barbeque food cooked by the Methven Lions.

Admission is $20 per person or $40 for a family. The admission price includes free travel on the chairlift.

The Methven Lions Club was instrumental in the establishment of the ski area in the 1970s. Since then, the club has continued to enjoy a long standing relationship with Mt Hutt.

‘It’s a totally different mountain in summer and its great to be able open it up for people to enjoy’, said Peter Garde, President of the Methven Lions Club.

The access road is open to all vehicles and Methven Travel are running a bus service from their premises in Methven from 9.30am onwards to the base of Mt Hutt. The cost is $20 per person and bookings are essential, phone 0800 684 888

If the weather is unsuitable, the open day will be held the following Sunday on 24th February. Information will be available on the Mt Hutt snow phone (03 308 5074) and at www.nzski.com.

ENDS….

© Scoop Media

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