Skiing and Snowboarding New Zealand-Escape Rentals

Mt Ruapehu is home to the north island's only two commercial ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa, and provides a unique skiing experience in that it is an active volcano and part of a dual World Heritage Area. Both ski areas have fully sealed access roads and world class facilities, including licensed cafes, retail stores, equipment hire and ski schools. The terrain at both ski areas is varied and vast, making them suitable for all ability levels and you can access both ski areas with one lift pass.

Whakapapa Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes is New Zealand's largest ski area, with more than 65 trails across 1050 hectares. Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area. Happy Valley is a complete learner’s area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress without the worry of faster skiers putting them off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is long enough for you really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes beginners to the top of the slope while giving them a chance to rest their legs. There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas that intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will love. The pinnacles backcountry area is a lift accessed double black diamond area at Whakapapa and is used for the increasingly popular Extreme Competition each September.

Turoa Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes holds the title of Australasia's longest vertical drop and New Zealand's highest lift. Like Whakapapa, the beginner area at Turoa (Alpine Meadow) is separate to the main ski area, so beginners can learn in a safe environment. However, strong skiers and boarders aren’t neglected….we have a huge variety of terrain, from open runs to gullies and cliffs. If you want to get off the groomers, Turoa has 2 lift-accessed off-piste areas that strong skiers and riders love. And if you want to turn your legs into jelly, we have a run that is 4kms long! Over the 2006/07 summer Turoa underwent New Zealand's biggest ever ski area upgrade, with $19 million being spent on 3 major projects. A new 1.4km long 6-seat high-speed chairlift with padded seats and footrests was built The snowmaking system was tripled in size and a 55 milion litre water resevoir was created to feed future expansion of snowmaking The base area cafe and retail complex was doubled in size and now seats 400 people.

For more information, please visit www.mtruapehu.co.nz

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Temple Basin is a true alpine environment on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps at the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park in the south island of New Zealand. The ski area is one of the greatest skiing locations in the country and a wonderful environment to meet like-minded people who love the outdoors, the mountains and leaving the Latte drinkers behind!! Temple Basin Ski Area covers a great variety of terrain spread over four separate basins. There are gentle slopes for complete beginners, adrenalin-pumping challenges for the expert, and everything in between.

TEMPLE BASIN FACTS AND FIGURES Skiable Area (Hectares) 320 Base Altitude (m) 1326 Highest Altitude (m) 1753 Vertical (m) 427 Beginner 25% Intermediate 50% Advanced 25% 3 Rope Tows, Ski School, Ski Hire, Cafe, Bar, Night Skiing/ Boarding, Goods Lift and 120 on field beds.

For more information, please visit www.templebasin.co.nz

Rent your own funky campervan ski chalet for the 2008 New Zealand ski season. Not only is it the cheapest time to travel, but Escape have also teamed up with New Zealands best ski fields to bring you big savings on the slopes. There are no catches!! Simply rent an Escape Camper and receive vouchers when you collect your camper offering 2 for 1 Ski passes on the selected ski resorts. Unlimited Days, All season Escape campervans are a popular choice with winter travellers as we provide 2 winter warm duvets and a heater with every camper. The 2008 season is forecast to be another ripper, so don't delay if you want to catch these great deals. Rates from $25/Day! Everything included No hidden costs The specials below are for Escape clients only and are available while stocks last.
Mt Ruapehu is home to the north island's only two commercial ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa, and provides a unique skiing experience in that it is an active volcano and part of a dual World Heritage Area. Both ski areas have fully sealed access roads and world class facilities, including licensed cafes, retail stores, equipment hire and ski schools. The terrain at both ski areas is varied and vast, making them suitable for all ability levels and you can access both ski areas with one lift pass. Whakapapa Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes is New Zealand's largest ski area, with more than 65 trails across 1050 hectares. Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area. Happy Valley is a complete learner’s area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress without the worry of faster skiers putting them off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is long enough for you really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes beginners to the top of the slope while giving them a chance to rest their legs. There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas that intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will love. The pinnacles backcountry area is a lift accessed double black diamond area at Whakapapa and is used for the increasingly popular Extreme Competition each September. Turoa Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes holds the title of Australasia's longest vertical drop and New Zealand's highest lift. Like Whakapapa, the beginner area at Turoa (Alpine Meadow) is separate to the main ski area, so beginners can learn in a safe environment. However, strong skiers and boarders aren’t neglected….we have a huge variety of terrain, from open runs to gullies and cliffs. If you want to get off the groomers, Turoa has 2 lift-accessed off-piste areas that strong skiers and riders love. And if you want to turn your legs into jelly, we have a run that is 4kms long! Over the 2006/07 summer Turoa underwent New Zealand's biggest ever ski area upgrade, with $19 million being spent on 3 major projects. A new 1.4km long 6-seat high-speed chairlift with padded seats and footrests was built The snowmaking system was tripled in size and a 55 milion litre water resevoir was created to feed future expansion of snowmaking The base area cafe and retail complex was doubled in size and now seats 400 people. For more information, please visit www.mtruapehu.co.nz ..................................................................................................................................................................................... Temple Basin is a true alpine environment on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps at the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park in the south island of New Zealand. The ski area is one of the greatest skiing locations in the country and a wonderful environment to meet like-minded people who love the outdoors, the mountains and leaving the Latte drinkers behind!! Temple Basin Ski Area covers a great variety of terrain spread over four separate basins. There are gentle slopes for complete beginners, adrenalin-pumping challenges for the expert, and everything in between. TEMPLE BASIN FACTS AND FIGURES Skiable Area (Hectares) 320 Base Altitude (m) 1326 Highest Altitude (m) 1753 Vertical (m) 427 Beginner 25% Intermediate 50% Advanced 25% 3 Rope Tows, Ski School, Ski Hire, Cafe, Bar, Night Skiing/ Boarding, Goods Lift and 120 on field beds. For more information, please visit www.templebasin.co.nz