Free passes draw beginners

Treble Cone instructors teach young skiers how to gain their balance on the learners' slope....
Treble Cone instructors teach young skiers how to gain their balance on the learners' slope. Photo by Matthew Haggart.
Treble Cone skifield has introduced a free lift-pass system this season to attract people wanting to learn to ski and snowboard - and the move is bringing more beginners to the mountain.

The move was aimed at helping introduce more youngsters to the sport and assist first-time adult skiers and snowboarders, Treble Cone spokesman Antony Hanson said.

The free learner's pass includes the skifield's magic carpet and learners' platter ski lifts, which provided excellent access to beginner terrain, Mr Hanson said.

He said the free learners' system had been a great success during the recent school holidays.

"Our on-the-mountain surveys indicate that the free service is helping to draw and keep skifield visitors in Wanaka.

It has been fabulous to see first-timers having a go at snow sports," he said.

Treble Cone has some of New Zealand's steepest skifield terrain - and lift pass prices - but the new move helps make snowsports more affordable for beginners.

"We've got a reputation as an expert mountain, but with this change we've tried to make the terrain more accessible to beginner and intermediate skiers and riders."

Young skiers and riders could make "phenomenal" progress during a season, Mr Hanson said.

Add a Comment