Ski costs on rising slope

Despite the importance of the correct gear, many people are still obsessed about looking good on the slopes. Photo / Supplied

Operators at some of New Zealand's most popular ski resorts blame increasing ACC levies for a jump in the price of season passes.

NZSki, which operates Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and Mt Hutt in Canterbury, has raised the cost of season passes by about $100 - as much as 12 per cent.

They now cost between $799 and $1200.

A spokesman said the ACC bill for their 1100-strong workforce had increased from $300,000 to $540,000 since April 1 to cover the cost of accidents for staff.

Prices at Cadrona Alpine Resort, between Queenstown and Wanaka, which opens on June 25, have increased by $20 to $560.

In the North Island, the two Mt Ruapehu skifields have announced a "price freeze" for skiers and boarders who bought a season pass last year.

Operators of Turoa, which opens on Saturday, and Whakapapa, which opens a week later, are reporting bumper season pass sales compared to last year, with snow-lovers desperate to hit the slopes.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith said the resort has sold just under 25,000 season passes this year - up about 1000 from last year - most at the special pre-season rate of $395.

Smith said season pass holders stay on the slopes for an average of 6 days, making it a better deal than the slopes, $86 adult day rate.

The "Chill Pass", which offers skiing at 11 central South Island fields, has gone up by $100. The pass can range in cost from $1295 if bought in-season, or $995 if purchased before May 30.

Chill director Stu Waddel said the price increases were a "necessity" to ensure facilities were well-maintained.

Waddel says the system has proved popular for the 13 years it has been in place: "The more days you ski, the better value you get for your pass."

Individually, the 11 fields offer adult day passes ranging from $50 to $79.

In the Mackenzie Country, an adult day pass at Roundhill Ski Area is $70, or $55 for a half-day, while a season pass is $500.

Like other skifields, Roundhill offers a range of gear-hire packages for ski and snowboards, with boots and poles priced from $38 to $45 for a day.

Coronet Peak opened last Saturday, Mt Hutt opened yesterday, The Remarkables opens next Saturday and Treble Cone on June 24.

Ensure the shoe fits on the snow

Thousands of skiers and snowboarders are itching to get on the slopes for their first ride of the year.

But experts advise them to take care to select the right boots, to avoid a miserable experience on the mountain.

Paul Bickley, from the Snow Centre in Auckland's Newmarket, said skiers often choose ill-fitting boots which can make for a painful experience.

The correct footwear can also help against injuries including twisted ankles or black, bruised toes if the boot is half a size too small.

Many ski shops offer a heat moulding service, where the sole of the foot is moulded to a liner placed inside the boot.

The price ranges from $50 to $150 - but the process is considered necessary to give more support to the arch, as well as taking pressure off the knees and ankles.

Despite the importance of the correct gear, many people are still obsessed about looking good on the slopes.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith described it as "probably the most fashion-conscious activity I know".

Trends reported to increase this season are a reverse of the baggy streetwear look normally associated with snowboarding to more fitted pants and jackets. Skiers are seeing a reverse trend and moving to more baggy clothes.


anna.rushworth@hos.co.nz