Skifield operators end season smiling

Angus Rowley, of Lake Hawea, enjoys the fresh powder in the Saddle Basin of Treble Cone on...
Angus Rowley, of Lake Hawea, enjoys the fresh powder in the Saddle Basin of Treble Cone on opening day. Photo: Treble Cone
The 2010 ski season in the Queenstown Lakes district has been declared "fantastic overall" by NZSki boss James Coddington.

The season ended last Sunday with the closure of the Remarkables skifield, although Mt Hutt, in Canterbury, will not close until this Sunday.

Mr Coddington said the season got off to a great start with cold temperatures followed by mostly settled weather throughout the season, which made for some quality conditions, especially during the New Zealand and Australian school holidays.

But he would not comment on visitor numbers compared to last season, or financial results, as that information would not be available until the end of the month.

"We've had a very solid season. We're all very happy," he said.

Regarding the future, Mr Coddington could not reveal specific plans but said the public had a "few surprises in store".

"We will be working hard over the summer to make sure next season is even better."

Coronet Peak manager Hamish McCrostie said the field's season was superb overall, but warm temperatures had forced a closure before last Sunday.

The highlight of the season was the introduction of Mypass technology.

"Mypass has been spectacularly successful.

"We will definitely be using the system again next year."

Andrew Hobman, avalanche programme manager at the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, reported a successful season in terms of casualty prevention with no serious incidents to report.

In Wanaka, the Pisa Range nordic trails of the Snow Farm remain open for cross-country skiing.

Snow farm general manager Mary Lee said in her daily conditions report yesterday the trails could be booked by parties and individuals who wanted to continue with their skiing fix.

Wanaka's three alpine skifields have been closed for the past week, although Treble Cone opened on Saturday for its annual Thunderboards charity day, which this year benefited canine mountain search outfit Aspiring Avalanche Dogs.

Wanaka's three alpine fields at Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort and freestyle facility Snow Park were all satisfied with the season.

Treble Cone marketing manager Nigel Kerr said the skifield's visitor numbers this season had been above average, while the "dollar spend" was on budget.

The season had had an excellent coverage of snow resort-wide right from the beginning, allowing the skifield's Saddle Basin to be operational from opening day.

A dip in snowfall in July and August ensured there had been very few days when the skifield was closed because of the weather, he said.

Overall, ticket sales had been good despite a quieter period mid-season, and there had been an increase in season pass sales and a noticeable rise among the locals, Mr Kerr said.

Cardrona Alpine operations manager Gary Husband said the season had been a pleasing one.

There had been some challenges presented by a dry spell in July and then September's rougher, southwesterly weather and colder temperatures.

"We are very happy with the season as a whole," Mr Husband said.

Cardrona was also forced to close for four days in September when its oxidation pond came close to overflowing.

The skifield is scheduled to conduct a review of its wastewater operations during the summer.

Snow Park operations manager Sam Lee said he was happy with the results of their season, after new business partners, the Synott family, were brought in to help manage the accommodation, marketing, and food and beverage side of the Pisa Range facility.

 

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