It's business time at Mt Ruapehu

Mt Ruapehu is getting set for the upcoming season with early sprinklings of snow and the cheapest Season Passes in three years about to go on sale.

Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager says it’s been cold on the mountain for the last couple of weeks, and they’ve already had the first snow falling in early March which bodes well for the upcoming season.

“We’re coming off an exceptional 2008 season where we re-wrote the history books for several reasons - record visitor numbers and snow base depths, most notably Turoa’s first-ever 5m base,” says Mr Smith. “Add to that the reduction in the price of season passes, now’s a good time to purchase one for the 2009 winter season.”

Mt Ruapehu’s Season Pass offers unlimited skiing for the entire 2009 season and costs $385 for adults (a reduction of $24 on 2008 prices) and $225 for youths aged 18 and under (a reduction of $14), during the month of April (these prices include a $10 discount for those purchased online at www.mtruapehu.com).

Mt Ruapehu All Lifts Day passes remain unchanged from last year’s rate of $83 for Adults, and $48 for Youth.

Plans are also underway to repair the damage caused by fire arson in February this year. New replacement groomers will be ready for the start of the season, as well as temporary toilets and café facilities. In addition the top terminal of the Waterfall Express Quad chairlift is now repaired and in operation.

Given the ideal snow conditions and the season extension in to Snovember, 2008 Season Pass holders made great use of their passes last year with increased usage.

“We’re feeling positive about this season. The extended 2008 season saw our Season Pass holders getting even greater value out of their passes than usual, and we are confident that even though household expenditure may be tighter in the current environment, New Zealand skiers and boarders will see the advantages in buying a pass and securing an entire season on the slopes for a great price,” says Mr Smith.

Early-bird Season Passes can be purchased from 1- 30 April 2009 online at www.mtruapehu.com, or by phoning 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.