Season passes on sale for fun-filled winter at Mt Hutt – Special pricing aimed at affordability for families

A winter of fun is on offer at Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area for 2012, as season passes go on sale at Early Bird prices and families celebrate the news that children aged 10 and under will ski for free.

The ’10 and under’ move is designed to make skiing and snowboarding more affordable for families, while the price of a youth pass for those aged 11 to 17 has been slashed by $150 from last year’s price.

Other season pass prices have been frozen at 2011 levels, and those who held season passes in 2010 or 2011 will be rewarded with up to $100-worth of credit in the form of mypass rewards loaded onto their mypass card to spend on services on the mountain.

Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager James McKenzie said many Christchurch and Canterbury families were “absolutely delighted” about the ’10 and under’ ski free deal for youngsters, and the rewards on offer to existing season pass holders.

“Overall we’ve had a fantastic reaction from our winter snowsports community in Christchurch, Canterbury and further afield to the fact that we froze prices at last year’s levels, to the mypass rewards offer, and the fact we’ve addressed affordability for families,” he said.

“It hasn’t been the best of years for many in our wider community, and many are having a hard time financially, so we’re delighted to have been able to recognize our loyal season pass holders with mypass rewards. It’s fair to say it’s been extremely well-received.

“For those returning pass holders, and everyone coming up to Mt Hutt or our mountains in Queenstown, the continued development of our my pass card, including the ability to load their own credit onto the card, will make all mountain transactions as easy as possible.”

Anyone who had a qualifying season pass for 2010 or 2011 who buys a Mt Hutt season pass at Early Bird prices will have it pre-loaded with up to $100-worth of mypass rewards.

The new prices mean a family of two adults, a youth and a 10-year-old child will save $599 in 2012 compared to last season at Mt Hutt.

Other exclusive deals on offer in 2012 for those buying at Early Bird season prices include discounted blocks of five group lessons or Kea Club sessions at Mt Hutt, saving up to 37% on last year’s prices.

The price of all-day lift passes and most other ski products have been frozen at last year’s levels. The full price list for 2012 will be available on the NZSki web site from Thursday 16th February.

Sales at Early Bird pricing are available on www.nzski.com from February 16 to March 15 2012. Full details including qualification criteria for Early Bird season pass pricing and mypass money are available on www.nzski.com

The Nitty Gritty
· Children 10 and under ski for free all season at Mt Hutt (age as at June 1, 2012)

· Youth Season Pass prices cut by $150

· mypass rewards can be spent on food and beverage, group lessons, lift passes, and equipment rental at Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak or The Remarkables

· Early Bird pricing is:

o Mt Hutt Pass $699 adult, $299 youth (age 11 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years)

o Mt Hutt Midweek Pass $429 adult, $329 student, $299 youth (age 11 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years)

o NZSki pass $999, $699 youth (age 7 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years)

o A small administration fee will apply to supply a season pass for kids 10 years and under, and super seniors.