Is Skiing Recession Proof?

Immediate release
28 April 2009

Is Skiing Recession Proof?

Mt Ruapehu Season Pass sales set to exceed current record with two days to go

Skiing is proving recession proof with Mt Ruapehu seeing a lift in the number of Season Passes sold for the 2009 season.

Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager, Mike Smith says sales of this year’s Season Pass are very strong and, with only two days left in the sale, it’s looking like it could be a record Season Pass sale.

“We pre-sold 8,000 2009 Season Passes in ‘Snovember’ last year, and we are currently at 84 percent of the total 2008 April sales. If sales continue like this over the next two days we will exceed the all-time sales record for season passes set in 2005,” says Mr Smith.

“That previous record was set before we started selling the latest round of Life and Five-Year Passes so, all in all, it’s looking very positive and is a great start to the season.”

Mr Smith says the increase in sales is likely to be a sign of the times with Kiwis deciding to holiday closer to home rather than taking a trip overseas.

“Taking a holiday in New Zealand is looking more attractive to Kiwis given the uncertain times – no volatile exchange rates to worry about, the Mt Ruapehu ski fields are easy to get to and it’s a safe holiday destination. Interestingly, the industry is also seeing a very strong push from Australians wanting to take a skiing holiday in New Zealand as well.”

Mt Ruapehu’s Season Pass offers unlimited skiing for the entire 2009 season and costs $385 for adults (a reduction of $24 on 2008 prices) and $225 for youths aged 18 and under (a reduction of $14), during the month of April (these prices include a $10 discount for those purchased online at www.mtruapehu.com).

Mt Ruapehu All Lifts Day passes remain unchanged from last year’s rate of $83 for Adults, and $48 for Youth.

Purchasers also receive great discounts on Snow School, rentals, workshop, retail and food and beverage, valued at more than $100.

Early-bird Season Passes can be purchased until 30 April 2009 online at www.mtruapehu.com, or by phoning 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

ENDS

© Scoop Media