Snow time like the present to get a 2010 season pass

Snow lovers have just over a fortnight to stomp a sweet deal on a 2010 Mt Ruapehu season pass.

The 2010 passes go on sale 16 April and will be hugely discounted until Monday 3 May, giving snow junkies a window of two weeks to get New Zealand’s best deal on a season pass.

Season pass holders got exceptional value for money in 2009 with the season operating well into November, and Mt Ruapehu officials are confident that 2010 will be no different.

“The mountain had its first sprinkling of snow a couple of weeks ago, and all signs look good for the season ahead,” say Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu marketing manager.

“We are encouraging snow enthusiasts to get their season pass during April so that they can get the best value skiing and snowboarding that New Zealand has to offer.”

The Mt Ruapehu Season Pass offers unlimited skiing for the entire 2010 season, and costs $395 for adults and $245 for youths aged 18 and under if purchased before 3 May 2010.

Mt Ruapehu will be continuing the price freeze deal giving snow fans the chance to freeze the purchase price (excl. of GST) for their season passes for the next three seasons - regardless of inflation or price increases.

“You can be skiing or snowboarding on Mt Ruapehu during the 2012 season for the same price you paid in 2010,” says Mr Smith. “We are the only ski area that offers this ‘price freeze’ deal.”

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields operating as one mountain under one organisation. Mt Ruapehu was the first in New Zealand, and in fact globally, to offer heavily discounted early-bird Season Passes

“We were the first Ski Area in the world to offer heavily discounted early-bird Season Passes when we introduced it 10 years ago, and we were also the first to introduce a three year price freeze deal at the end of 2009,” says Mr Smith.

Customers will also have the opportunity to check out Mt Ruapehu’s new state-of-the-art facilities with the Knoll Ridge Café and groomer workshop rising from the ashes in 2010 after being attacked by arsonists at the beginning of last year.

“We are committed to providing world-class facilities and services while ensuring snow sports are widely accessible to all New Zealanders,” says Mr Smith.

Early-bird Season Passes can be purchased up until 5pm Monday 3 May 2010 at www.mtruapehu.com, or by phoning 0508 Ruapehu (782 734) from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.