Media Release from NZSKi

October 17 2013

2014 Season pass prices for New Zealand’s premier ski areas and multi-million-dollar new development announced

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Artist's impression of planned new Curvey lift at The Remarkables

New Zealand’s premier ski areas in Queenstown and Canterbury have released season pass pricing for 2014 and announced the start of a multi-million-dollar new development at The Remarkables.

For the third year in a row, the Early Bird season passes prices for Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt are frozen at 2012 and 2013 levels and go on sale today (October 17). Early Bird prices are available until March 20 2014.

A season pass for The Remarkables is the only pass to have gone up in price – reflecting the substantial investment into a new six-seat, high-speed detachable chairlift at the ski area, increased snow making capacity, expansion of the learners area, new trail development and the re-alignment and expansion of its car parking.

The new 1.2km Curvey Basin lift will begin in the lower of the two existing main car parks at 1600m and rise to a top terminal at 1900m above sea level, just below the ridgeline at the south head of the Rastus Burn, known as Curvey Basin.

NZSki CEO Paul Anderson said it was “perfect timing” to announce the “green light” for growth at The Remarkables as skiers and boarders contemplated plans for next season.

“The new chairlift at The Remarkables will quickly and efficiently open up two new runs and considerably more terrain, giving people all the more reason to experience its alpine environment. We know it will be a huge drawcard and a development that’s eagerly-awaited,” he said.

Up at Canterbury’s Mt Hutt, the Triple Chairlift bottom station that was destroyed by an avalanche earlier this year will be replaced in time for the start of the 2014 winter.

An easy payment plan for the 2014 snow season for any or all of the three ski areas means shelling out for a pass can be ‘drip fed’ in eight instalments over summer. The payment plan is available online at www.nzski.com for those who commit to next season by buying a pass between Thursday October 17 and Thursday October 31, 2013.

An adult NZSki Pass for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt is frozen at  2012/13 prices at $999 for the season (youths and seniors $699). A Queenstown Pass (The Remarkables and Coronet Peak) remains the same at $889 for adults, and $589 for youths and seniors.

The Remarkables pass has increased by $100 to $599 for adults, $499 for students, and $399 for youth and seniors.

Early Bird Mt Hutt prices are the same at $699 for adults, $549 for students and $299 for youths and seniors. A Mt Hutt Midweek Pass is $429, $329 and $299 respectively.

The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said he and the ski area’s management team were “ecstatic” about getting underway with the lift and car parking project.

“A key factor will be the new lift’s ability to take up to 2,400 people an hour up the mountain to access new terrain and new trails.

“From there they can take their pick skiing or riding all the way back to the bottom of the Curvey lift or quickly and easily access all the runs and terrain parks available via the Sugar Bowl lift.

“As part of the earthworks we’ll be widening and upgrading some of the other trails in this area, and the new runs will feature 28 more snow guns.

“The Remarkables is already known and loved for its diversity, a good history of snowfall, and three sunny natural basins.

“These all naturally lend themselves to fantastic skiing and snowboarding terrain, so we’re working towards providing even better product for our local, national and international guests.”

Mr Lawrence said work on the car park would involve re-alignment of the last 300m of road and the provision of more car parking space with easier access and more efficient parking.

“We certainly have our work cut out over summer and are excited about the prospects for all our guests next winter,” he said.

ENDS

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