Roundhill to open in wake of massive snow storm
Tuesday 12 July 2011, 3:22PM
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Roundhill ski field in the Mount Cook Mackenzie region is to open this Wednesday (13 July) following a huge snow dump that has plastered the area with eighty centimetres of fresh snow over the past four days.
Roundhill owner and operator Christian Burtscher said the entire mountain was blanketed and that groomers had been out and about.
“All trails have been packed and groomed. Roundhill is looking fantastic and staff are very excited about opening day on Wednesday,” he said.
The ski area, located near Lake Tekapo in the South Island’s majestic Mt Cook Mackenzie region, has long been popular for its family-friendly beginner and intermediate runs. Now, thanks to the longest and steepest rope tow in the world installed in early 2010, access to some of the biggest terrain in Australasia has made Roundhill a Mecca for skiers and boarders seeking steep and deep.
“35% of our terrain is suitable for advanced skiers and riders,” said Burtscher. “And with our base at 1350m and peak at 2133m, we’ve got a vertical drop of 783m which is longer than any other in Australasia. A powder day at Roundhill is an awesome experience.”
The diverse advanced terrain has seen visitor numbers grow rapidly (30 percent last season) as skiers and boarders experience the amazing steeps, chutes and big wide open spaces of The Two Thumb Range made accessible by the Heritage Express rope tow.
Burtscher said while Roundhill offered challenging big mountain terrain for advanced skiers and riders, and attracted ski teams from around the world for training, it was still primarily a family ski area.
“We’re a ski area that remains ideal for learners and little ones. You can park right up on the mountain and set up a picnic area,” he said.
“There’s an expansive beginners’ area with a platter lift and two beginners’ rope tows, then there’s a T-Bar which gives access to heaps of super wide, perfectly groomed intermediate trails with natural dips and curves for fun and interesting skiing and riding.
“For the freestylers, Central Park has jumps, rollers, rails and boxes for most ability levels.
“There’s a great family atmosphere at Roundhill where you and your family will enjoy the wonderful facilities in a spectacular environment. Roundhill is for all generations.”
Visitors to Roundhill this winter will enjoy the comfort of a newly-renovated base building with new café and ticketing office. Those visiting in August just might share the slopes with some of the world’s best Olympic and World Cup ski teams who are training at the ski field this year.