The Ski Season You've Been Waiting For

Skiers And Boarders - Prepare For The Season You’ve Been Waiting For

The snow gods are smiling on Mt Ruapehu - early snow falls indicate this year is shaping to be a great ski season.

On Friday, snow fell to the ski-field base areas on both sides of the mountain. The good news for this year’s season is that snow has fallen a month earlier than it did last year.

So, if you’ve been thinking about making the most of the mountain this winter, now’s your chance, the $249 Mt Ruapehu Season Pass has just gone on sale.

According to ski field operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), early interest in the two-field pass has been enormous with more than 1,000 kiwi skiers and boarders flooding phone lines and email with inquiries about the offer.

From April 1, skiers and boarders can purchase a Mt Ruapehu 2001 Season Pass and get unlimited skiing at both Whakapapa and Turoa.

Prices are $249 for adults, $189 for students and $129 for youths aged 16 and under. People over seventy or under five ski for free.

The 2001 combined season pass is the first major benefit to skiers as a result of last year’s purchase of Turoa Ski Resort by RAL.

“Last year’s Whakapapa Season Pass deal was a huge success, but the 2001 pass offers skiers and boarders an even better deal. They can now ski both sides of the mountain for one price - giving people the choice of skiing whichever field has the best weather each day,” says Mike Smith, RAL Marketing Manager.

“As well as changes to the appearance of the two fields, we’re planning to offer a shuttle service between the two ski areas and the chance for experienced skiers to participate in a guided traverse between Whakapapa and Turoa.”

In a New Zealand first, RAL has also combined with Cardrona Alpine Resort to offer kiwi skiers a two island ski deal. The ‘Ultimate New Zealand Snow Pass’ provides skiers with unlimited access to three North and South Island ski fields - Whakapapa, Turoa and Cardrona for only $349.

Around 20,000 North Island skiers and boarders visited the South Island last season. Shaun Gilbertson from Cardrona Alpine Resort says the pass will be very attractive to North Island customers and likewise for South Island skiers who travel north to Mt Ruapehu.

A Mt Ruapehu Season Pass also entitles holders to great discounts at Cardrona, Treble Cone, Mt Dobson, Porter Heights, Rainbow and Mt Lyford with $20 off an adult day pass, $15 off a student day pass and $10 off a youth day pass. Mt Ruapehu Life Pass holders will also receive a range of discounts at these South Island ski fields.

Both the Mt Ruapehu Season Pass and Ultimate New Zealand Snow Pass can be purchased from April 1 - April 30, 2001 by visiting www.MtRuapehu.com or phoning 0508 RUAPEHU (0508 782 734).

The passes are photo ID based and non-refundable.

Ends

Season Pass details:

* Mt Ruapehu Season Pass (Whakapapa and Turoa)
Adults $249
Students $189
Youths (16yrs and under $129

* Ultimate NZ Snow Pass (Whakapapa, Turoa and Cardrona)
All ages $349

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