THE INTERNAL - NEWSLETTER 33/04

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN NZ

Why Ski in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a relatively small country renowned for its friendliness and spectacular scenery. Large mountains falling to rugged coastline, rolling pastures, white sandy beaches, island hideaways - this is a land of contrasts.

In New Zealand we have 15 commercial ski areas and a similar number of smaller club fields - each offering a uniquely different ski experience.

Our commercial areas, while not the mammoth resorts of Europe or North America all have their own distinct character, and many offer world class facilities including snowmaking, state of the art snow grooming, and comprehensive base and dining facilities.

The smaller club fields are often run by a group of enthusiasts and have simple facilities such as rope tow or T-bar lifts, generally no snow grooming, but good day lodges and often a more social atmosphere.

When to ski in New Zealand?
The ski season in New Zealand runs generally from June through to early November. Mt Hutt is always the first area to open, usually in late May or June, with the others opening in late June or early July.

June and July being colder (although still comparatively mild) can offer some good powder skiing. August is the peak month in which to ski, and September and October offer a variety of skiing from spring skiing conditions to wintery powder - depending on the weather!.

When not to ski .......
Skiing is popular in New Zealand so plan your ski vacation to avoid the school holiday periods if possible.  In 2003 these are:

• July 5 - July 20
• September 20 - October 5
• For University dates see www.varsity.co.nz/varsities

Mt Ruapehu has 1000 awesome hectares of patrolled terrain, making it easily the largest ski area in New Zealand. What's more we've got the longest vertical drop (722m) and the highest lift access in New Zealand too.

It all adds up to massive variety! There's something here for everyone from the absolute beginner to experienced skiers or boarders looking for a real alpine challenge.

For liftpass rates see http://www.mtruapehu.com/rates.html

Gear rental rates: http://www.mtruapehu.com/rental.html

Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano which started erupting at least 250,000 years ago. It produces ash and scoria during eruptions approximately every 10 to 20 years.
Skiers and snow boarders need to know what to do if Mt Ruapehu erupts. Eruptions generate lahars (volcanic mudflows) which flow down valleys in a flash flood.
Large eruptions in 1969, 1975 and 1995 pushed mud flows (lahars) from Crater Lake down some Whakapapa ski area valleys.
During an eruption there may also be gas and flying rocks on the upper mountain, especially within the Summit Hazard Zone.
An Eruption Detection System (EDS) is operating at the ski area. In the event of an eruption, the system will set off sirens and loudspeaker messages.

• If there is an eruption, move out of the valleys, especially those which lahars are likely to follow (see map).
• If the sirens sound, remove your skis or board and climb the valley walls to a ridge top.
• Know where the safe areas are (buildings, lift lines and ridges). (see map)
• Stay in safe areas until advised otherwise by ski area staff. If in a ski lodge or car park, stay put.
• Ask ski area staff or DoC staff for more information.
  If in the Summit Hazard Zone move down the mountain following ridge lines.

• Lahars are fast-moving flash-floods of cold water containing a lot of mud and rock which makes them very dense and damaging.
• Lahars are dangerous to snow-boarders/skiers and have damaged some lifts and buildings in the past.
• Lahars flow down valleys in a flash flood. If the siren sounds, remove your skis or board and climb the valley walls to a ridge top.
• Lahars are too powerful to stop or divert easily, so an automatic warning system has been installed.

• An Eruption Detection System (EDS) is operating at the ski area. It was first installed at Whakapapa in the early 1980s.
• The system will set off sirens and loudspeaker messages.
• Follow instructions from staff and move out of valleys.
• An Eruption Detection System (EDS) was upgraded after the 1995-6 eruptions to monitor seismograph data and to use barographs which combine to automatically trigger a siren and loud-speaker instruct-ions across the ski area if a lahar is detected. Seismometers above the ski area detect waves from an eruption. They give more than a minute of warning to skiers on even the highest runs.

SUMMIT HAZARD ZONE

The upper area of Mt Ruapehu within 2km radius of Crater Lake is described as the Summit hazard zone (see map). During an eruption, in addition to lahar danger there is also a high risk of volcanic bombs, ash, and gas in this area.

If you are caught in the summit hazard zone during an eruption you should exit this area as quickly as possible by following ridge lines down the mountain. Be aware that projectiles may approach you from above and cover your face with a damp cloth to avoid breathing in poisonous gases.

For more information about volcanic hazards on Mt Ruapehu, contact Department of Conservation or Ruapehu Alpine Lifts

Upcoming events at Mount Ruahepu

PEAK TO POWDERKEG - Saturday 16TH OCTOBER 5.00pm start
The time is nearing for the annual Peak to Powderkeg race. This is a sensational event hosted by the Powderhorn Chateau and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
You can compete in this event as an individual in the Men or Womens section or as a team, with the team's consisting of 3 people with at least one female competitor.
Stage one sees competitors ski/board down Turoa to the base area. Then it's a run down the Mountain Road in Stage two to the transition area where competitors then jump on a mountain bike and ride down to the Powderhorn Chateau, where to complete the race you have to scull a beer!!
This year the event will be held in the evening, starting at 5.00pm. Registration forms will be online soon, so get your entries in!! Don't forget the huge aftermatch BBQ party on the Balcony and be in to win fantastic prizes.

http://www.powderhorn.co.nz/

Mt Ruapehu Moro Dynastar Freestyle Series – Slopestyle on the 23rd of October at Turoa

It's gonna be sick! The Freestyle Series has both Snowboard and Skier categories in all of the events. These events are; Banked Slalom, Halfpipe, Boarder / Skiercross and Slopestyle.

Start:
All events start at 10am

Fee:
Adult $30 per event or $100 pre registration for all four.
Youth $20 per event or $60 pre registration for all four.
Entries must be submitted 3 days before event or pay a $5 penalty fee.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN AUCKLAND

Air New Zealand Fashion Week – The official Party

Thursday, October 21st @ Coast Bar and Lounge

As the finale to the fashion week, NZ’s finest models, management and designers will be celebrating straight from the catwalks to coast bar & lounge for a night of gossip and glamour with all of the best dj’s and performers.

There are only 500 tickets available publicly, but you can get them now.

Presales available at Ticketek and Coast desk, level 9, Hewlett Packard Building, Quay Street.

Or text “NZFW” to “858” on your Vodafone mobile.

Tickets cost $29 + booking fee.

Deep Hard & Funky

Friday, November 19th – NZ’s favourite party night returns.

Constantly evolving, Deep Hard N funky is widening the dance-floor selection to now also include nu skool trance & the baddest breaks from the around the globe…

The worlds finest producer/dj’s – Hollands Hinterland Electronica King Ferry Corsten, together with the UK’s Fabric resident: breakz rockin’Adam Freeland share the many Saint James stages with our nations finest house & hip-hop talent for what will surely be the most memorable party of 2004!

Public tickets are limited to 2900 to ensure all party people can experience an eclectic range of artists with additional levels of space & comfort not normally available at an event of this scale & calibre.

Plus, to celebrate the coming of Summer, Lorne St will also be closed off with seating for 500 to relax & rest from the dance floor action.

Early bird tickets only $30 + bf

Reduced special tickets $45.90 + bf

General Tickets $55.90 + bf.

If you are interested just write me, then I can tell you were to get your tickets.

THAT’S IT FOR TODAY!

Mt Ruapehu