Words: Charlie Hay
Charlie here, I thought that previous article would have been relevant for at least a week, but I wasn’t so lucky. However, as a snowboarder, the newest updates we have regarding level 2 means we’ve hit the jackpot.
With New Zealand currently moving into Alert Level 2, we’ve seen a real positive chain of events for the operations of ski fields. Like our previous update, the operations of ski resorts in level 2 was looking hopeful, now we have a bit more clarity about how this will look.
With leaders of the NZ ski resorts coming together as representatives of the industry, they’re discussions with the NZ government has gone really well. They’ve got the go ahead to operate in level 2, and despite the concerns regarding the 100 persons gathering limit, they’ve sussed an exemption which means they have no population cap, but must abide by physical distancing standards, hygiene & sanitation, as well as contact tracing, which will come relatively easy regarding their usage of RFID chips in passes. This is awesome news for the snowboard community, with the opening of the ski resorts as well as the lift pass deals still going around to incentivise purchases. If there’s any winners in this situation, it’s us! Stoked…
Following a recent press release from NZSki, as well as giving the green-light for the Southern island resorts, the case of North island resorts are looking a lot more promising. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts CEO Jono Dean is quoted stating “It’s good to have clarity over what the level 2 restrictions mean for ski areas so they can commit to their winter plans”.
As far as things go for the opening dates, their have been some recent announcements…get excited! Coronet Peak is set to open June 26, The Remarkables are spinning the lifts from July 4 and Mt Hutt is kicking off on June 12!
This is just a short update of things to come, once again we’re expecting to get more information in the coming weeks, and when we do, we’ll keep you posted!
