31 July 2013

Mt Hutt – celebrating 40 years of fun in the snow

Forty seasons of fun in the snow calls for a celebration – and that’s exactly what Canterbury’s Mt Hutt has planned for this coming weekend (August 3 and 4).

To mark Mt Hutt’s milestone 40th year, celebrations will be spread out over the two days with plenty of fun activities for all, and the icing on the cake will be a stunning fireworks display with all rides and events over the weekend put on for free (lift passes still required).

Activities happening across both days include dressing up in retro theme, an ‘old-style’ rope tow to bring back the memories for veterans of the ski area, a photo wall and videos depicting bygone days, a bouncy castle for the kids, fun ‘Big gloves’ boxing in an inflatable ring for the young at heart, and giveaways and a Chill Out Zone from Rock FM.

Saturday’s festivities (August 3) kick off with clown entertainment from10am, face painting from 11am, The Rock FM Undy Run at 12 noon and a search and rescue dog display at 12.30pm.

As twilight descends, there will be a band, BBQ and synchronised skiing demo, followed by groomer, snowmobile, Husky dog and Hagglund rides. As night falls at 6.30pm the slopes will come alive with a Fire and Ice show featuring fire twirling, a ‘flare’ ski demo and the fireworks display lighting up the sky.

From 10.30am Sunday will feature a Snowsports clinic showing how ski styles have changed over 40 years, face painting on the deck between 11am and 2pm, and a search and rescue dog display at 12.30pm.

Looking out over the Canterbury plains at 11am, there will be an official unveiling and blessing of the infamous ‘Rocky’ – arguably the most famous rock in New Zealand – which tore into a Christchurch home during the February 2011 earthquake and was bought by NZSki to raise $50,000 for the Red Cross relief fund.

Now firmly ensconced in his final resting place half way up the Mt Hutt access road, T-Shirts and ‘signed’ copies of a book containing some of Rocky’s famous sayings will also be sold on the day with proceeds still going to Red Cross.

Detailed event programmes are available from Mt Hutt Guest Services and the Methven Snow Centre.

Mt Hutt ski area manager James McKenzie said the milestone anniversary provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate Mt Hutt’s past and reflect on how it had developed over the years.

“Mt Hutt Ski Area was born from the determined efforts of a group of very inspirational Methven locals,” he said.

“Over the ensuing 40 years its stamped its mark on the world of snow sports with its exciting terrain, reliable snow and genuine Kiwi atmosphere.

“There’s nothing routine about Mt Hutt, no day’s the same and every day presents us with another challenge and another great memory. I think that’s what makes this such a special place – not just for our guests but also for staff past and present.”

Mr McKenzie said the ski area wanted everyone to go away with a very special memory of its 40th celebrations.

“I think we’ve got all bases covered with the range of activities on offer, and either way our Fire and Ice show definitely won’t disappoint. Even if you can’t make it up to the ski area on the night, make sure you’re looking up towards Mt Hutt at about 6:30pm!”

An alternate weather weekend has been set for August 10 and 11.

For up-to-date snow conditions and further information go to www.nzski.com.

ENDS

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