Replacing the Remarkables ski area base building with a new complex is proposed in the summer of 2014-15, following the multimillion-dollar development of a new chairlift accessing new terrain and an expanded area for learners this summer.
The new base building is earmarked for a more forward position, in front of the learners' area, and will be the first structure seen by guests from the access road, if the development is approved by the board of NZSki.
About 100 members of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce heard ambitious infrastructure plans for the Remarkables ski area over the 2013-14 summer and beyond, during a post-season update by NZSki management in Crowne Plaza Queenstown yesterday.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the fate of the existing Remarkables base building was undecided and would be discussed by NZSki this summer.
The design of the new building may determine the outcome.
The existing wooden base building at the Remarkables was designed by Arrowtown architect John Blair in 1984.
In 1982, he also designed the previous base building at Coronet Peak.
Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said NZSki understood feedback from guests about the cramped cafeteria in the present building.
Guests were forced to sit on stairs while eating during peak times and some even entered the administration offices by accident in an attempt to find tables.
NZSki managers expanded on Remarkables infrastructure plans announced in July last year.
The four summer projects, each with a dedicated crew, were investments to grow the market, Mr Lawrence said.
A further 1.6km of trails at a minimum of 30m in width were planned. Slopes will be topped up with 28 new lance tower snowguns.
A new 1.3km long Curvey Basin chairlift is planned, starting at the car park level, which would let guests access an extra 13% of terrain at the top terminal.
The existing snow-making pump station near where the Curvey Basin chairlift would begin will be moved up to an area behind the Alta chairlift.
The new consented pump station would draw water from Lake Alta via a buried pipeline and without interfering with the environment, Mr Lawrence said.
The learner's area will be expanded by cutting into the sides of the basin and by extending 30m into the existing car park.
An extra 110 vehicles will be able to be parked in three new parks created by removing the S-bend of the access road on its final approach to the ski area.
Coronet Peak is scheduled to open for the 2014 snow sports season on June 14 and the Remarkables is due to open on June 28.
''Provide the product and the people will come,'' Mr Lawrence said.
