World First Ski Area Trail Map Technology Launched

Immediate release 31 May 2006

World First Ski Area Trail Map Technology Launched On
www.MtRuapehu.com

World leading trail map technology has made its debut on Mt Ruapehu's website www.mtruapehu.com.

The technology was developed by Kiwi web specialists, and keen Mt Ruapehu snowboarders, Michael 'Harry' Harralambi and Loren Greenfield. 'Harry', ex-drummer for classic New Zealand band the Exponents, has years of experience in website development and his business partner, Greenfield, specialises in Flash programming.

The pair started their company Interactive Trail Maps in 2005 after reviewing existing technology from around the world and identifying what they saw as a real gap in the market. The resulting technology has received strong local and international interest from US Ski Resorts, and the maps launched on Mt Ruapehu's website this week represent the online debut of the technology.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager, Mike Smith says the interactive maps for Mt Ruapehu took ten months to develop and are a quantum leap ahead of any others he has seen to date.

"The technology basically brings the static trail maps to life," says Mr Smith. "While a number of websites currently feature elements of interactivity such as turning trails on and off, the new technology on www.mtruapehu.com represents an enormous step forward."

Mt Ruapehu's website is one of New Zealand's most visited travel sites, and attracts more than 10,000 visitors per day over the peak winter season.

Mr Smith says the interactive maps will certainly help visitors plan their time at Mt Ruapehu Ski Area more easily with the detailed trail descriptions and 360 degree panoramas.

"As well as the up to date snow reports and web cam images, visitors will get a true taste of the on-mountain experience through video clips of skiers and snowboarders in action," says Mr Smith.

Mt Ruapehu's interactive trail maps also feature pointers to amenities such as cafes, toilets, public phones, first aid facilities and retail areas and seamless links into Mt Ruapehu's web cameras and snow reports. To access the maps visit www.mtruapehu.com.

ENDS

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