Ski tourers meeting to discuss access

Recreational ski tourers will meet tomorrow night to discuss access to Queenstown's mountain peaks.

Organiser Erik Bradshaw, from New Zealand Alpine Club, hopes the meeting will prevent rows over use of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Cardrona.

Tensions flared last winter when two skiers were served trespass notices on Coronet Peak skifield by NZSki.

"It's a plea to solve some of the chaos and problems from last year.''

He said it was not a good look for recreational users or NZSki.

"NZSki has valid health and safety concerns on Coronet Peak and it is important we recognise that. I'm a pragmatist. They need to do their commercial stuff on the mountain and groom. But what I hope is that we can work with them and have better access to the mountain.''

NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson told the Otago Daily Times the ski company would be represented.

A major focus is ensuring users are aware of hazards on Coronet Peak and the Remarkables when the skifields are operational. The key is to keep people safe when in the outdoors, by asking them to stick to designated routes.

"The vast majority of the ski touring community really respect that.''

The meeting will be held tomorrow night, Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association room, 10 Memorial St, Queenstown, 7.30pm.


 - by Louise Scott 

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