Full steam ahead for The Remarkables new base building

Media release from NZSki
June 5 2015

Full steam ahead for The Remarkables new base building

The wait is almost over.

There are only two weeks to go until The Remarkables ski area’s scheduled opening in Queenstown on June 20, and the highly-anticipated unveiling of its new base building.

The striking new building is taking shape and progressing well, with the construction and management team working 24/7 in all weather conditions to get it over the line.

The hard-at-work team reveals that the building is now close to full enclosure, with the final panes of over 800sqm of glass about to be fitted.

Over the past few months, around 460 truckloads of concrete and 140 tonnes of structural steel have made their way up the mountain access road to create the form of the Michael Wyatt-designed building.

Ground floor construction is complete and is now undergoing fitout – home to a seamless transition area for buying lift passes, booking lessons and renting equipment. The new design enables guests to get on to the snow faster than ever before.

The top floor, which opens out straight onto the snow and features a wrap-around panoramic deck on three sides with outstanding views of the Southern Alps, is also taking shape.

It features a stunning 10m-high glass frontage and will feature a comfortable seating area boasting a huge three-metre-wide fireplace.

Making the building a destination in its own right for those who want to relax in comfort and enjoy the alpine ambience, the top floor features a purpose-built coffee bar and café along with a separate restaurant and grill. A wide range of food options will be on offer with plenty of space for 700 people inside and an additional 400 out on the deck.

The mountain’s fully-licensed Early Childcare Centre Skiwiland and ski patrol will continue to operate out of the former base building. For parents of children aged from three months to five years this means peace of mind that their youngsters will continue to have their own dedicated area and easy access to beginners slopes.

The new base building facility will also be serviced by an expansive and flat new drop off area right at the building’s doorstep, meaning a quicker, safer and more efficient turnaround for buses, shuttles and private car users. Pedestrians will be able to step out of their vehicle and onto the snow in less than a minute.

Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said there was a “huge buzz” in the air as the team came closer to opening day.

“We’ve all been pulling together and pooling skills and resources to get everything done, and there’s a real sense of excitement as we come into these final weeks before kick-off,” he said.

“It’s thrilling to think that soon we’ll be welcoming guests up the mountain and into the new building. We just can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces.”

The new base building is part of a $45m investment at the ski area that also includes the new high-speed Curvey Basin chairlift which opened last year. The Remarkables ski area is scheduled to open June 20, 2015 and passes, lessons and rentals can all be booked at www.nzski.comwhich features detailed updates on snow and weather conditions.

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