Action Hots Up At Mt Ruapehu As Temperatures Cool

21 April 2005
ACTION HOTS UP AT MT RUAPEHU AS TEMPERATURES COOL DOWN
ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT TO BUY A CHEAP SEASON PASS -

Snow enthusiasts wanting Mt Ruapehu season passes only have 10 days left to purchase them at cheap pre-season prices.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), operators of Mt Ruapehu, say sales of the season passes have been good, and are expecting a lot of last-week purchases.

"The weather has been warmer than usual this autumn, but winter is definitely on its way with cooler temperatures being recorded on the mountain recently, and snow's been forecast for the next couple of days," says Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager.

"After such a huge season in 2004 and significant improvements made on the mountain over the summer, we're expecting an influx of people making the most of the cheap season passes in the last week."

Mt Ruapehu season passes cost only $329 for adults, $279 for students and $189 for youths aged 16 years and under. For those who miss out, from 1 May passes for adults will be $649, students $559 and youths $359.

Mr Smith says visitors to the mountain this winter will notice a huge difference as access to the ski fields, and facilities on both sides of the mountain, will be more streamlined.

"As part of RAL's commitment to investment in improvements, this year we've spent $6m on upgrading facilities on both sides to provide a better experience for visitors," says Mr Smith.

"At Whakapapa we're looking to start snowmaking in mid-May in preparation for the season, and we've invested in an additional 10 snow guns, and a 1.2km snowmaking pipeline extension to ensure top to bottom skiing.

"We've also made some much needed improvements to Turoa's facilities. From new car parks and a revamped customer service area, to a new, purpose-built repair workshop and more groomers, this season will certainly be one to remember."

Mt Ruapehu season passes are great value for money, with Adult All-Lifts Day Pass at Mt Ruapehu priced at $72 per day, an adult's season pass will cover its entire cost in just four and a half days on the mountain, or just over two weekends on the slopes.

To order season passes visit www.mtruapehu.com, or phone 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday throughout April 2005.

www.mtruapehu.com

ENDS

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