Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Home to one of the world’s most innovative ski and snowboard terrain parks, the boutique mountain resort Snow Park NZ is expanding learning programs and facilities for the 2011 season, originally scheduled to begin Saturday but now on hold pending the arrival of winter weather.
New for 2011 is Snow Park’s inaugural Snow Park School, headed up byprofessional instructor Jo Lynch, who is looking forward to helping skiers and boarders learn or improve their technique in a fun, relaxed environment, while being part of the overall Snow Park experience. A new, dedicated magic carpet learners’ lift and beginner area, and a brand new ski and snowboard rental program, featuring a modern fleet of Armada and Rossignol skis and Burton snowboards, will be available for beginner, advanced and expert riders. Snow Park will for the first time be home to a Burton Learn-to-Ride Center.
“Our goal is to deliver the best ‘first-time’ experience in the country,” says Lynch. “And for those looking to progress their riding more quickly, we can offer personal coaching in a relaxed environment. No matter a person’s level of riding, we can help them advance to the next level.”
Snow Park NZ’s exclusive partnership with halfpipe and terrain park builder John Melville of Development Snowparks will ensure that Snow Park NZ continues to offer a cutting-edge experience on the biggest terrain park in the Southern Hemisphere. Snow Park NZ is the flagship resort for Development Snowpark’s products and services.
The expanded park design and grooming team is led by Snow Park NZ veterans Jamie Kennerley and Joe Mackenzie, who are now joined by Dunedin’s Scott Shields. Development Snowparks will also bring in park designer and builder Lucas Ouellette from Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, who will focus on the early-season building of the terrain park. Ouellette was previously contracted for the building and maintenance of the 2010 Winter Olympic halfpipe in Vancouver.
“The team we have in place for this season brings a new level of experience and expertise to Snow Park,” said Snow Park NZ General Manager Robin Sadowski-Synnott. “We’ll continue to raise the bar each year, but we’re also committed to preserving Snow Park’s reputation for a friendly atmosphere and a fantastic vibe.”
Sadowski-Synnott also took the occasion to announce several new personnel appointments at the resort. Wanaka local Tim Hudson has been appointed as Snow Park’s new head of Ski Patrol. Hudson, who previously served as Managing Director at Treble Cone ski area, has a broad range of skills and experience, including ski/snowboard rental, tuning and retail. Also, newly appointed Services Manager Sally Norman returns to Snow Park after a brief absence during which she gained a wealth of experience, having worked on a wide range of major events in Australia and New Zealand
“Day or night, in the terrain park or in the back country, or lounging by the fire in the Woolshed, Snow Park NZ’s combination of terrain, activities, great food and laid-back atmosphere make for a unique winter alpine experience,” added Sadowski-Synnott. “The team at Snow Park is geared up and ready for a great 2011 Winter Season.”