All Downhill At Coronet Peak’s Summer Playground

It’s All Downhill At Coronet Peak’s Summer Playground

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The mountain biking season at Coronet Peak gears up for a month of fun and events starting on Thursday, 3 January.

Now in its third year of operation, the Bike Park offers a scenic 4.2km Downhill Cross Country Trail, designed for bikers of all levels, a challenging competition standard, 1.6km Downhill single track for experienced bikers, and a feature-packed mini park for those who love to hit the berms and jumps.

The trails and mini park are accessed by the Coronet Express Quad chairlift – no uphill riding required.

Coronet Peak general manager sales & marketing David Ovendale says the trails have been designed to make mountain biking an accessible summer activity for almost everyone.

“Coronet Peak has terrain to suit amateurs, elite riders and everyone in between. The meandering downhill cross country has some optional mellow jumps, switchbacks, berms and gentle rollovers.

“Our downhill trail zigzags to a large natural half pipe, over rock features on a benched trail before boosting up onto the main piste. Freestyle fans will be drawn to the mini-park and its jumps, berms, see-saws and wall rides.”

In 2008, the Bike Park plays host to several competitive events. These include the Subaru South Island Downhill Cup and the NZCT South Island Cross Country Cup (formerly the Nationals) running from 4 - 6 January, the Vertigo Chain Free Downhill on 19 January and the Nzone Brake Burner endurance race on 2 February.

Mountain bike champion Scarlett Hagen will host training for riders of all levels and age between January 15 and 30. Positions are limited and can be booked via www.mtbperformance.com

Mountain biking season passes are available at $199 adult and $149 youth. A loyalty discount is available to holders of a 2007 winter season pass at $149 adult and $99 youth. Multi-day passes are also on offer. A One Day Multi-Ride pass costs $35 adult and $25 youth, a Five Day Multi-Ride pass is $140 adult and $100 youth. Sightseeing passes offer a fun chairlift ride and awe-inspiring scenery for $17 adult and $12 youth. A range of adult bike rentals will be available at the base area operated in conjunction with Outside Sports.

Passes can be bought through eBuy, Coronet Peak’s secure online season pass shop at www.nzski.com or on the mountain from the ticketing window at the Greengates Carpark. The Coronet Peak Bike Park will operate 7 days a week from 10:30am to 7:30pm, weather permitting, from 3 January until 3 February.

ENDS

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