Immediate release: 13 September 2007

Season’s Best Snow & Extreme Action At Mt Ruapehu

Nokia Extreme Competition: 20 – 26 September 2007 – The Pinnacles, Whakapapa

Mt Ruapehu is offering skiers and boarders two great reasons to head to the slopes in September: the season’s best snow and the awesome action of the Nokia Extreme Competition.

Mt Ruapehu Marketing Manager, Mike Smith says the current quality of snow and coverage on Mt Ruapehu’s upper slopes is really good.

“We’re currently experiencing some of the best snow conditions of the season. Whakapapa has a base of almost 2 metres, and Turoa’s at 1.8m,” says Mr Smith.

“These fantastic conditions are expected to continue throughout the school holidays and well into October, so there is still time for another visit to the Mt Ruapehu this season.”

Nokia Extreme is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier extreme skiing competition, and with a total prize pool of up to $50,000, is one of the country’s most lucrative competitions for skiing and boarding.

Mike Smith says the Nokia Extreme is Mt Ruapehu’s most popular event and gets bigger every year.

“The Nokia Extreme continues to grow every year. We have plans to develop it into one of the top extreme skiing events on the international calendar, which is exciting for Mt Ruapehu and the wider region.”

This year’s competition will include a separate event for snowboarders - the Rome Snowboard Challenge – which will allow more quality runs for both skiing and snowboarding competitors.

Entry for the Nokia Extreme Skiing Competition costs $65. Event schedules, entry forms and details of the prize pool and judging, can be found on Mt Ruapehu’s website, www.mtruapehu.com

Mt Ruapehu is also offering competitors a special seven day lift pass for $139 which will allow them to scope out the terrain and still have plenty days left to cover the competition. The discounted pass is valid at both Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas.

Mr Smith says the Nokia Extreme is a great event for both competitors and spectators.

“The Nokia Extreme isn’t just for competitors, it is a treat for spectators too as the unique terrain of Mt Ruapehu provides optimum viewing opportunities. I’d encourage skiers and boarders of all abilities to come along and take part or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring skills on display.”

ENDS

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