News

NZ setting up base!

31.05.2010

NZ's South Island has kicked off with some sweet cold snaps and the Remarkables already boasts a base of 60cm with nearly 3 weeks to go before opening day. See snow reports page for further reports!

Amex NZ Winter Open 25 June- 4 July

12.06.2010

THE REMARKABLES opens 19 June

12.06.2010

SNOW PARK NZ opens June 26

04.06.2010

Cardrona launches new chair!

04.06.2010

New for 2010 The Valley View Quad Friday, 29 January 2010 13:22 Phase one - summer 2009/10 Valley View Quad chairlift installation - Former Captains fixed grip quad chairlift being relocated to open up more terrain, extending below the Whitestar Express down to Speed Straight FIS homologated downhill course A 40 metre tunnel will feature on the Comeback trail An additional carpark at the base of the lift for easy access to the Valley View Quad Benefits Now 4 quad chairs - more chairlifts than any other South Island mountain More intermediate and advanced terrain than previously 600m vertical (formerly 390) 345 hectares (formerly 320) FIS homologated downhill trail Tunnel provides uninterrupted access from Captains basin to the Whitestar lift during race events on the new downhill course - runs will stay open during races

NZSKI.COM Mypass, first of it's kind

04.06.2010

The concept has been three years in the planning and has been rolled out across Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables in time for the start of the 2010 winter season. Skiers and riders will collect an individual ‘mypass’ with their first purchase this season. Their details, including a photo, will be loaded into the system to appear at the gates or at a point of sale every time the card is used. Guests, if they wish, can then load further details to their profile online, record Snow Stats and share these through social media networks. NZSki CEO James Coddington explains that the system is based on European and American systems which normally run off line, but the NZSki system takes the technology to a whole new level. “It is online and offers many benefits to our guests and partners. Just one visit to any of our guest services counters or snow centres and you will be set up with a mypass that you can then load up with any of our services through online purchase. At the end of the day or week you can either recycle the mypass with us, or have fun with profiles and social media networks.” More about NZSki RF (Radio Frequency identification) The technology behind NZSki’s direct-to-lift system has been designed and implemented by CommArc, and has also included CommArc primary business partners, Alchemy Group (responsible for the software engineering), Axess AG (gate technology) and Intouch Technology (ticketing systems and software). The concept is based around a business / technology model that is unique in the ski industry. In Europe, RF technology is used in an offline system to capture lift usage (because ski resort lifts are often owned by multiple landowners and revenue needs to be apportioned). NZSki’s RF technology is a fully integrated online platform. The RF ticket concept has been integrated right through the business (lift access, rentals, ski school, guest services, creche, and for 2011 it will be integrated into retail, transport and food and beverage along with becoming a loyalty program) and also incorporates a built -in business to business system that supports our agents and local (NZ) retail partners. The Technology The technology is based around a "smart" RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card and software platform. This card is issued to guests when they make any purchase, and it communicates to the ‘back-end’ systems via the RF gates and RF readers. The RF gates have dual antennas which allow the RF card to be placed almost anywhere on the body. When users go through a gate it reads the card details and compares this with what the user has purchased. If the product is valid, then the gates open and the guest skis/boards on through. At the end of the day guests can choose to recycle the mypass (they can be reused many times), or take it home and register via the mypass website. When guests register their card their online profile is activated and they can buy NZSki products online and go "direct to lift". Activated mypass holders can view Snow Stats, (vertical metres, number of runs and days skiing), link friends and family to their profile, view other people’s Snow Stats and even buy products for others. NZSki has also developed its own agent platform that streamlines the arrival and pickup process for international and national guests.

Coronet Peak Open!!

04.06.2010

Meadows Chair unveiled in time for tomorrow's official open day at Coronet Peak The brand new Meadows Express Chairlift at Coronet Peak was officially opened today (Friday 4th June 2010) by the ski area’s oldest Ambassador, Les Brough (aged 80+) who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. Mr Brough was joined by NZSki CEO James Coddington and NZSki chairman John Davies whose grandchildren were among the first to ride the state-of-the-art chairlift this afternoon. NZSki CEO James Coddington said the opening of the new chairlift marked the culmination of an intensive development programme across Coronet Peak. “In opening this beginner-friendly chair today, we reassert Coronet Peak's position as a world leading ski resort. The chairlift is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with its innovative automatic safety bar and "kids stop" features. We wanted to ensure that the Meadows Express was the safest chairlift we could build, and thanks to Leitner Poma's engineering team this is what we have.” The Meadows Express is capable of moving 2000 passengers per hour and Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says it has massively improved the experience for novice skiers and riders. “More lift capacity and more trail capacity has allowed us to exponentially improve the overall beginner and novice experience. We know that families in particular will be delighted with the new lift and trails.” The redevelopment programme of the past several years has included the installation of the six-seater Greengates lift, a massive snowmaking system and a stunning new base building which provides state-of-the-art facilities and magnificent views across the Wakatipu Basin. Photo: Georgie ffiske (granddaughter of John Davies) Olivia Coddington, daughter of NZSki CEO James Coddington, Johnny ffiske (grandson of John Davies) and Keir Roberts from Arrowtown are the first to board the new Meadows Express as John Davies

Snowroom Pre-Season Clearance

18.05.2010