Coronet Peak gears up for mountain bike season
More trails for novice and family mountain bikers are ready for summer mountain biking at Coronet Peak as increased
access to existing trails and service roads is made available.
Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie wants to open new trails using the existing road networks to provide more
accessibility for lower levels of rider.
“Previously, expert and advanced riders have been well catered for and this summer we will respond to the call for
easier trails that will help novice riders into the sport.
“This year there will be access to the M1 Million Dollar and Mid Gully trails and people can tuck in at the picnic table
at the end of the newly available Tuck trail. These trails are in addition to the existing ‘Fall Line’ Downhill and the
Rocky Gully Downhill Cross Country trails.”
The Coronet Peak Bike Park season opens on January 7 and will run until March 1. The park will be open 11.30 am till
7.30pm Tuesday through Sunday each week of the season, weather permitting. Closed on Mondays.
Season pass prices for the Park are unchanged from last year at $249 for adults and $199 for youth. A loyalty discount
is available to holders of a 2008 winter season pass at $149 adult and $99 youth. The passes are available from the cafe
on the mountain from January 7
Multi-day passes are also on offer including a One Day Multi-Ride pass available at $40 adult and $30 youth, a Five Day
Multi-Ride pass available at $160 adult and $120 youth and a Single Ride pass for $17 adult and $12 youth.
Coronet Peak has also introduced a ‘try before you buy’ scheme where those buying a day lift pass can have the value of
the day pass deducted from the price of a season pass if they subsequently buy the season pass on the same day as the
single day pass was used.
“This allows people to buy a day pass, check out our trail network, then make the decision to buy a season pass. As long
as they do so on the same day, they will have the day pass price deducted from their season pass.”
Mr McCrostie said the Bike Park provided great summer use of the facilities at Coronet Peak.
“Mountain biking is gaining in popularity around the world and is a good use of the Coronet Peak recreation reserve. The
rolling terrain makes for superb mountain biking and it’s a great way for people to get into the mountains and enjoy
facilities that would otherwise only be used during winter.
“Elite riders can push themselves to the limit throughout the season while families can enjoy a summer alpine day out
taking the chairlift to the top of the mountain to appreciate the stunning alpine scenery and downhill action before
coasting down the easier tracks.
“And best of all, there’s no need to ride uphill as access back to the top is by the Coronet Express Quad chairlift.”
Queenstown’s top outdoor adventure outfitters Outside Sports will provide a quality mountain bike rental service at the
Bike Park base area.
Coronet Peak is hosting several mountain biking events this season. The NZONE Ultimate Jump Brake Burner (a six hour
endurance race) takes place on February 7. The National Mountain Bike series runs from 13 – 15 February 2009, the
Vertigo Chain Free Downhill date is TBC. For more information on mountain biking at Coronet Peak visit www.nzski.com and click the ‘Summer’ tab.
Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to visit Coronet Peak this summer to enjoy the base facilities and spectacular
views. A giant chess board, huge sundeck and café provide relaxed entertainment amongst the alpine atmosphere.
Sightseeing passes to ride the chair for a spectacular view of the Southern Alps and the Wakatipu Valley are available.
ENDS