Mt Ruapehu Set For A Fantastic 2007 Season

For immediate release: 28 March 2007

Mt Ruapehu Set For A Fantastic 2007 Season

- Life Passes, first-ever Five Season Passes and new developments ready for coming season -

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), operator of Mt Ruapehu ski area, is looking forward to another bumper year on the mountain with the opening of new facilities, and the announcement of limited-edition lift pass options to ensure enthusiasts make the most of the new developments.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith says that 2006 was the best season Mt Ruapehu has experienced in more than a decade.

“Last year was fantastic for Mt Ruapehu. Turoa experienced a record year and Whakapapa had its best since 1994, and we hope to build on the success of 2006 this coming season,” says Mr Smith. “As well as coming off a great year, the first phase of Mt Ruapehu’s five year development programme will be ready in time for the mountain opening in June - so it’s all go here at Mt Ruapehu.”

In addition to a new high speed, six-seater chairlift at Turoa, other developments include a massive expansion of the snow making system, and a major redevelopment of the Alpine Café and Vertical retail store in the base area at Turoa. This first phase of Mt Ruapehu’s $60m development programme involves investment of almost $19m in these three projects alone.

“The development upgrade at Turoa means we will be able to offer visitors a better experience than ever before. We’re also offering, for the first time, a Five Season Pass, as well as Season Passes and Life Passes. As far as we’re aware, this is the first time a Five Season pass has ever been available in New Zealand.”

Mr Smith says the Five Season Pass was developed in response to customer feedback, and is ideal for those that don’t wish to purchase a Life Pass, but are regular visitors to the mountain. One of the key benefits of this new pass is that it is upgradeable to a Life Pass in 2012.

“The Five Season Pass is a great new option as it provides a middle ground between Season Passes and Life Passes. Five Season Passes are ideal for people who want to take advantage of the savings offered by long term passes, but are uncertain about making a lifetime commitment upfront.”

As well as the Five Season Pass, RAL is again offering snow enthusiasts Life Passes and 2007 Season Passes. Early-bird Season Passes, Life Passes and Five Season Passes are only available for purchase during the month of April 2007.

The basis on which RAL was set up requires that all profits made by the company are reinvested in Ski Area facilities on Mt Ruapehu. The shareholders do not receive dividends and, therefore, funds raised through the sale of Life and Five Season passes will go directly into funding future developments that will enhance skiing and riding on Mt Ruapehu.

Over the next five years, Mt Ruapehu has ambitious plans for the developments and upgrade of the two ski areas. The current plans include two high speed chairlifts at Whakapapa, a further revamp of our cafeteria services and numerous other projects that will further transform both Ski Areas.

Mt Ruapehu’s priority beyond the current Turoa developments is the high speed six-seater Valley Express chairlift at Whakapapa. Like all projects on Mt Ruapehu it is subject to a rigorous consent process which has already been commenced.

Mr Smith says that if the consent process and fundraising progresses as hoped, the Valley Express chairlift will be constructed during the 2007/2008 summer.

The consent process for a number of additional major projects (including the Valley Express) is already underway.
Key price points:

• Life Passes are priced at $3,975 each. RAL is also offering a Life Plus Pass for $5,195 which can be transferred to another person before June 2016. Finance options with 12, 24 or 36 month terms are also available
• Five Season Passes are priced at $1,550 for adults, and from $870 for youth. Five Season Passes are upgradeable to a Life Pass in 2012
• Season passes are priced at: adults $389, students $329, $219 for youths aged 18 and under (these prices include a $10 online discount)
• A 2007 Adult All-Lifts Day Pass at Mt Ruapehu will cost $80
• Early-bird Season Passes, Five Season and Life Passes can be purchased from 1- 30 April 2007 online at www.mtruapehu.com, or by phoning 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, seven days

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