Lake Wanaka in September has plenty to offer
Wednesday 13 August 2008, 6:30PM
By EveNZ
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A combination of great snow and weather conditions, world-class events and quieter slopes makes September the prime time to visit Lake Wanaka’s four ski areas.
With accommodation, gear rental and lift pass specials on offer throughout September, groups of friends and families will be enticed to the mountains with good value holidays. Trips do not need to be booked too far in advance with the ease of internet bookings and great last minute deals.
Longer and warmer sunshine hours in September allow for more action on the mountains, with crisp snow in the morning softening throughout the day. Natural snow fall and extensive snow making during Winter ensures great conditions until the end of the season in early October, with average September snow depths comparable to July.
The quieter slopes and minimal queues for lifts provide skiers and boarders a relaxed environment on the mountains. Lunch can be taken outdoors soaking up the warmth and spectacular scenery. As the sun starts to set high on the hills alternative après-ski activities can be enjoyed in Lake Wanaka’s attractive resort town.
Tiered ticket pricing for day passes at Treble Cone and Snow Park provides great value riding during the off-peak month of September with adult day passes as low as $65 at Snow Park and $89 at Treble Cone.
A good selection of ski and snowboard events will entertain visitors to the resorts throughout September. Elite snowboarders can be seen in action for the FIS World Cup at Cardrona (1-7 September) while the skiers will shine at Treble Cone’s ANC Tech Series (4-5 September). The action continues at Snow Park NZ for the Armadageddon ski competition in the halfpipe and slopestyle (12-13 September) and The Volcom Peanut Butter Rail Jam, for the snowboarding youth (27 September). Rounding off the events on the mountain the Kids Festival at Cardrona includes the Junior Freeski and Snowboard Nationals (28 September – 1 October).
John Alldred, CEO of Lake Wanaka Tourism believes September is a fantastic time to visit Lake Wanaka, “You get all the benefits of winter but at a quieter, warmer and cheaper time of year. The pleasures of spring conditions for skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in the morning with further pursuits such as mountain biking, wine tours or lake cruises available for the afternoon,” he said.
For September deals in Lake Wanaka, visit www.skilakewanaka.com.