Ski Fields

Wages have been the biggest expense and their own bill racks up too as a solution is sought.

A bidder for one of Ruapehu’s ski fields plans a capital raise of up to $12m and a USX listing to help fund the operation.

NZSki’s Mt Hutt will host a four-day celebration this August to mark 50 years of ski field operations.

The group behind a community effort to take ownership of Ruapehu’s ski fields has unveiled its proposed structure.

A community-based group bidding to take over Ruapehu Alpine Lifts’ ski operations has put the call out for support.

The bid hopes to raise funding from RAL life pass holders, ski club members and the local community.

The warming climate and changing weather patterns pose “a great risk” to the viability of ski fields and glacier tourism.

A new survey aims to gauge whether Ruapehu lifepass holders would be willing to pay $1,000 for a one-time ‘settlement fee’ to reactivate their pass if a new entity or a revived Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is established.

Cardrona and Treble Cone are aiming to cut visitor numbers during peak periods.

A new entity owned by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts life pass members and Sky Waka bondholders was the government’s preferred solution to save skiing at Mt Ruapehu after the operator went into voluntary administration.

But the voluntary administrators say season pass promotion is on hold due to uncertainty over the future of ski at Mt Ruapehu.

The operator’s troubles underscore the volatility of commercial ski businesses as climate change accelerates.

There’s clear weather ahead following snow on its ski fields but the future of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts appears as murky as ever.

Coronet Peak’s 75th anniversary celebrations are underway this week as the ski field puts a five-day festival of music, events, fashion and ski events for the public.

More than 90% of commercial passenger vehicles inspected at the country’s major ski destinations have been compliant, say police and Waka Kotahi.

NZSki has opened its Coronet Peak ski field near Queenstown with five of its eight lifts operating.

More than 1.5 metres of snow blanketed parts of Queenstown over the weekend, marking an “epic” ski season ahead for the Southern Lakes ski fields, says Destination Queenstown.

RealNZ’s ski experiences are encouraging the industry to take a closer look at how they promote gender inclusion in skiing and sport.

Operating on an active volcano has presented both challenges and opportunities for the company.

Southern operators will be pleased with snow this week and more to come over the weekend – just in time for widespread ski field openings.

The operator also secures critical worker exemption for 275 skilled staff, helping to meet staffing challenges.

SOUTH launches a new ski product designed to attract Australian visitors.

Cardrona and Treble Cone have teamed up with Wānaka Backpackers Bothy to provide mountain staff accommodation for the 2022 winter ski season.

Employers will be required to pay at least the median wage of $27 an hour for the roles.

Queenstown’s Coronet Peak will celebrate its 75th anniversary with events including a night ski party with fireworks, a retro day, ski race, gala dinner and an alumni après ski function.

A man had to be rescued at Mount Ruapehu on the weekend after sustaining serious injuries following a fall on ice and rocks.

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New Zealand’s first gold medal at the Winter Olympics may prove a welcome boon for the country’s struggling ski resorts.

Mt Hutt has been named New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort 2021 at the 9th annual World Ski Awards.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts says it will consider unbundling assets after two Covid-impacted seasons hit income.

A plan to restructure meets resistance from life pass holders worried they will lose privileges.

Capex is put on hold as operators look to rebuild their balance sheets in 2022.

Police will be checking that vehicles, including those used for passenger services, are operating safely around ski fields across the country during the October school holidays.

Cardona Alpine Resort has been named the nation’s Most Vegan-Friendly Ski Resort by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Ski fields on Mt Ruapehu are gearing up for re-opening at level 2, says Ruapehu Alpine Lifts chief executive Jono Deans.

Ski operators are disappointed but acknowledge the need to get on top of the latest outbreak.

Snow on Monday night for Mt Ruapehu’s two ski fields has set the mountain up for the rest of the winter season, says Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

The New Zealand Police, in partnership with Waka Kotahi, are launching a safety campaign targeting passenger services vehicles in and around ski fields across New Zealand.

From high hopes to cruel reality, operators are forced to adjust again to life under Covid.

Queenstown, Wanaka and Arrowtown record last minute domestic uptick for ski trips.

RAL aims to open lower mountain chairlifts next.

More snow is on the way for southern ski fields on Tuesday and Wednesday, says MetService.

There is no support connected to changes in the trans-Tasman travel arrangement, says Jacinda Ardern.

That extension will cut deep into the Australian school holiday period of 26 June to 11 July.

Coronet Peak hopes to open on Sunday 20 June and Cardona is aiming for 21 June.

Coronet Peak will open on 19 June and The Remarkables and Treble Cone on 26 June.

Cardrona Alpine Resorts has postponed its scheduled opening.

Ski field has around 18,000 visitors every winter.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is set to open its Happy Valley beginner’s ski facility at Whakapapa on Saturday 5 June with the rest of the field and neighbouring Tūroa opening on 3 July.

Forward bookings for centres within close proximity to ski fields such as Queenstown are up 115% over 2019.