Last chance to snap up Early Bird ski deals

Keen skiers and snowboarders have until midnight on Thursday (11 March) to take advantage of the very best season pass deals for New Zealand’s premier ski areas.

On sale since 12 February, the range of discounted Early Bird passes for Queenstown’s Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and Canterbury’s Mt Hutt offer the best possible prices for those who buy online at www.nzski.com.

James Coddington, NZSki Ltd CEO, said it was necessary to introduce an increase this year to reflect the significant investment the company continues to make, along with external costs significantly increasing.

“The world-leading radio frequency ID system we’re introducing to all three ski areas is a major investment which will provide huge benefits to users now and in the future.

“The microchip embedded in all passes will result in a more a more efficient, integrated and customer-focused experience.

“Lift access will be quicker and easier than ever before as the passes are electronically checked when skiers and boarders pass through specially designed gates. The gates can even scan through clothing so there’s no need for people to fish around trying to find their passes.”

The new system is similar to those already installed in many North American and European ski areas, however NZSki’s system will be the world’s first fully integrated, ‘stored value’ card. It’s also expected to virtually eliminate fraudulent use of passes and people skiing or riding without paying.

Mr Coddington said novice skiers and riders at Coronet Peak will enjoy enhancements to the beginner and novice area which has been significantly upgraded and features a new, state-of-the-art quad chairlift.

People are strongly encouraged to purchase online at www.nzski.com to take advantage of the Early Bird season pass deals. Alternatively, application forms can be downloaded from the website and are also available from Snow Centres in Queenstown and Methven. Physical, postal, fax and in-person applications will incur a $20 administration fee.

The Early Bird time payment option is only available online and designed to help people manage cash flow, enabling customers to pay for passes in three installments. The Early Bird offers are only available until 11 March 2010, after which prices will increase to a shoulder rate from 12 March to 4 June 2010 and then a main season rate.

ENDS

Further information: www.nzski.com

About Early Bird Season Passes

For those likely to ski or ride at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables the nzskipass is just the ticket. At $999 for an adult and $699 youth (age 7 - 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74), the nzskipass offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2010 season at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables. It also includes 50% discounts on lift tickets at other international Leading Mountain Resorts ski areas as part of the Endless Winter programme. A range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA are also covered by the pass. See the website for full details.

The Queenstown Pass, for those who ski or ride mostly in Queenstown, is on offer at $799 for an adult and $499 youth (age 7 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years). It offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2010 season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables plus a 50% discount on day passes at Mt Hutt. It also includes 50% discounts on lift tickets at numerous ski areas at the other international Leading Mountain Resorts ski areas as part of the Endless Winter programme. A range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA are also covered by the pass.

The Mt Hutt Pass, at $679 for an adult and $429 youth (age 7 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years), offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2010 season at Mt Hutt. It also includes a 50% discount on day lift passes at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and a range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA.

The Mt Hutt Midweek Pass, at $429 for an adult and $329 student, $299 youth (age 7 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years), offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2010 season Monday to Friday only at Mt Hutt. On weekends at Mt Hutt and at any time at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables the pass holder is entitled to a Frequent Card discount on day lift tickets. This pass offers midweek day pass discounts at Ohau Snow Fields and Snow Park NZ. On weekends full day pass rates are charged at these areas.

All children aged six and under will receive free day lift passes at Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt while all children aged 10 and under will receive free day lift passes at The Remarkables. Or for convenience, a season pass can be issued to these customers for a $20 administration fee.

The Remarkables Pass, at $449 for an adult, $349 student and $249 youth (age 11 – 17 years) and senior (age 65 – 74 years), offers unlimited skiing and riding for the 2010 season at The Remarkables. It also includes Frequent Card discounts at Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt and 50% discounts on lift tickets at other international Leading Mountain Resorts ski areas as part of the Endless Winter programme. A range of additional benefits* including discounts at other ski areas in New Zealand and the USA are also offered on this pass.

The First Tracks add-on for Coronet Peak is available for $195. The add-on offers an early morning experience between 8 and 9am when the Coronet Express chair will open as conditions and operational requirements allow. The First Tracks add-on is designed for those who want the earliest possible access to untracked powder or freshly groomed runs, and is perfect for Queenstown people who are able to ski or board outside office hours.

The Queenstown Transport add-on once again offers unlimited transport on the Green and Blue NZSki Snowlines to and from the Queenstown Snow Centre to The Remarkables and Coronet Peak for only $195 for the entire season. Seats are available on a first in, first served basis.