Forget recession, and head to the snow. If the snow is good, skiers and snow boarders will head to the slopes regardless – the word from those in the know is that the 2009 New Zealand ski season is going to be another record breaker.
After a bumper 2008 ski season – with plenty of snow and international tourists boosting visitor numbers to record levels – New Zealand’s ski tourism industry is in a positive frame for the 2009 winter season.
More than 1.4 million ski passes – one third to Australian buyers – were sold during the record-breaking 2008 season. Based on last year, and buoyant early sales, the Ski Areas Association NZ is expecting good 2009 pre-season sales as snow enthusiasts take advantage of earlybird promotions to plan ahead.
Fantastic snow conditions
The industry will be hoping to see a repeat of last year’s fantastic snow conditions which saw skifields opening in time for the July school holidays and the season continuing well into October in the South Island, and November in the North Island.
But, whatever the season brings, New Zealand l has plenty to offer winter sports enthusiasts including top class facilities, wide open spaces, visual spendour and geographic diversity.
Beginners to off-piste
Most ski areas are on New Zealand’s ‘backbone’ – the spectacular Southern Alps which run the length of the South Island offering a series of ski resorts that are easily accessed from a variety of destinations.
North Island visitors can ski on Mt Ruapehu, one of a cluster of active volcanoes sited on the New Zealand segment of the ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’.
New Zealand ski areas offer a variety of terrain with conditions suited to beginners through to advanced and off-piste skiers. There have also been significant developments with terrain parks offering riders extra thrills and spills.
Snow Farm, near Wanaka in the South Island – New Zealand’s only Nordic ski area – entices heli-skiers with vast tracts of virgin alpine slopes.
Longer season
Development of snow-making has made a big difference to the New Zealand ski and snowboard industry.
Slopes are able to open earlier, and building snow bases when conditions allow extends the season. Snow-making also provides the ability to improve snow quality during the season particularly in high traffic areas.
Ski resort towns
Unlike skiing in Australia, US and Europe, New Zealand ski areas don’t generally provide on-mountain accommodation. Skiers and snowboarders travel up and down the mountains each day from nearby resort towns that are a hive of après-ski activity.
New Zealand ski resorts offer many non-ski options for days when slopes are closed. Added attractions – like jet boating, bungy jumping, 4 X 4 adventures, fishing, golfing, walking, cycling, hot-air ballooning, wine tasting, gourmet dining and luxury retreats – provide extra variety for skiing holidays.
Ski resorts for non-skiers
Queenstown – New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ – ranks in the world’s top 10 ‘ski resorts for non skiers’ on international travel website ShermansTravel.com.
Shermans Travel website commented: “Surrounded by New Zealand’s Southern Alps on the edge of scenic Lake Wakatipu, skiers and snowboarders flock to Coronet Peak but adrenaline rushes also abound away from the snow, as you might expect of the town known for inventing the bungy jump. Other daredevil options like jet boating and tandem skydiving are available all year long or opt for quieter activities like wine-tasting or flightseeing over the nearby fjords.”
Sustainability
New Zealand is also gaining a reputation for sustainability in the ski industry and areas like the Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt in the South Island have adopted an environmental charter.
As part of the charter ski areas must commit to sustainable development, best practise snow making / farming and snow grooming techniques, stipulate new developments have a five-star energy rating, adopt recycling methods and share information with customers.
Treble Cone in the South Island holds the NZ Tourism Qualmark and Enviro Silver ratings, and also adopts sustainable practice including a ‘share a ride’ programme, reduced power consumption and recycling.
Mt Ruapehu in the North Island operates within the delicate World Heritage and National Park systems.
Free equipment checks
An added attraction for skiers and snowboarders is the NZ Snow Industry Federation’s free ski and snowboard equipment checks – an innovation supported by snow sports retailers.
Proposed 2009 skifield opening dates:
•Coronet Peak – 6 June
•Mt Hutt – 13 June (but probably 1 June)
•The Remarkables – 20 June
•Cardrona – 26 June
•Treble Cone – 27 June
•Turoa – 20 June
•Whakapapa – 27 June
Tags: Skiing, Southern Alps