Immediate release 28 June 2007

Australasia's Biggest Chairlift Launched

- Prime Minister Helen Clark opens High Noon Express-

The first stage of New Zealand's largest-ever ski area upgrade project was officially launched today by the Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

The first stage, representing an investment of almost $19m, includes the installation of Australasia's biggest chairlift the High Noon Express, a major upgrade of Turoa's snowmaking system, and a new café and retail complex.

The entire Mt Ruapehu upgrade project, which will continue over the next few years, is valued in excess of $60m.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts general manager, Dave Mazey says: "The development is significant not just for Mt Ruapehu, but for the New Zealand snow and tourism industry as a whole, and we are honoured that the Prime Minister was able to be with us to mark the opening of the first stage.

"An incredible amount of work has been put into the project and we are very proud and excited to be officially opening the new facilities, especially the High Noon Express chairlift, which will allow us to offer visitors a better experience than ever before."

The new, 1.4km six-seat high speed chairlift will significantly boost the rate in which skiers can be transported at Turoa. The lift can transport more than 3,200 people per hour and has a top speed of five metres per second.

The High Noon Express will be open for sightseeing during this weekend, and for skiing and boarding as soon as the upper mountain receives a further 20-30cm of fresh snow.

"Currently, trails on the upper mountain are being prepared, and as soon as we get the next significant snowfall we'll open the High Noon Express for skiing and boarding business," says Mr Mazey. "Alpine Meadow, Parklane and Wintergarden are open, and the High Flyer is opening today. Trails are also being developed on the Giant Chairlift area , so we're hoping to open that one as soon as possible."

A major upgrade of Turoa's snowmaking system has also been completed, tripling it in size. A massive new 45 million litre reservoir (tarn) has been built, and an additional 25 automated snow guns installed. The new snowmaking system automatically switches on when temperature and humidity levels are suitable for snowmaking, ensuring every available opportunity is utilised effectively.

"The huge increase in snowmaking capacity at Turoa will ensure optimal snow coverage from very early in the season," says Mr Mazey.Turoa's Alpine Café has been given an overhaul and has more than doubled in size, and now seats 400 people. The retail complex has also been vastly expanded. Outside the complex approximately 60,000 cobblestones have been laid, with de-icing heating pads located in key areas.

Mr Mazey says the outlook for Whakapapa is also hugely positive with a good base, and developments in the pipeline.

"Whakapapa has had an excellent start to the season. We've currently got a base of almost one metre, from great natural snowfall and snowmaking - so Mt Ruapehu is looking good for the season," says Mr Mazey.

Further stages of the $60million development will continue over the next five years. Mt Ruapehu has ambitious plans for the developments and enhancement of the ski areas, including two high speed chairlifts at Whakapapa, a further revamp of cafeteria services and numerous other projects that will further transform both ski areas.

The basis on which RAL was set up requires that all profits made by the company are reinvested in Ski Area facilities on Mt Ruapehu. The shareholders do not receive dividends and, therefore, funds raised go directly into funding future developments that will enhance skiing and riding on Mt Ruapehu.

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