Wanaka, New Zealand – Snow Park NZ, which is essentially one giant ski and snowboard terrain park, is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary this season with a targeted opening date of June 15.

Started by the Lee family on land they still own after 60 years, the resort was placed on the market in 2008 after undergoing its largest expansion of amenities, including night skiing and slopeside accommodation. The resort’s facilities were acquired by Snow Park Holdings, which has continued the expansion in recent years to include new services and programs. Snow Farm, a nearby cross country ski area, is still operated by the Lees.

“We’re looking forward to an awesome 10-year anniversary season celebrating both employee and customer commitment and passion through the years,” said Robin Sadowski-Synnott, General Manager of Snow Park Holdings.

Snow Park has earned a reputation as a world-class training ground and the boutique mountain resort has invested heavily in improving the experience for customers catering to every level of skier and snowboarder, from seasoned pros to those just getting started, locals and families. Pre-season pass sales, which conclude this Sunday, are pacing twice as strong as last season, an indicator that the ski and snowboard community has taken notice of how Snow Park NZ has lifted its game over the past two years under the stewardship of Snow Park Holdings.

The 2010 season saw revenue growth of 25 percent over 2009, while 2011 grew by 33 percent in a season that was incredibly challenging most notably due to Mother Nature’s delay in delivering cold temperatures and snow to New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Sadowski-Synnott attributes the company’s growth to the continued support of loyal customers, corporate partners as well as the dedicated team on the ground.

“Many of our stakeholders have been dedicated to Snow Park ever since first opening.  Snow Park is highly valued, and it is exciting to be able to continue this year for everybody involved,” Sadowski-Synnott said.

On mountain, Snow Park NZ’s exclusive partnership with world-renowned halfpipe and terrain park builder John Melville of Development Snowparks will continue this season Snow Park NZ is the flagship resort for Development Snowparks’ products and services.

The grooming and park building team have already begun their work amidst the early-season snowfall that has blanketed Snow Park.

Snow Park School, which debuted with great success in 2011, will continue to offer skiers and boarders opportunities to learn and improve their technique.  Group and private lessons, and lesson packages for everyone from families and first-timers to advanced riders looking to stomp that next trick will be offered, as will the Night & Day Coaching sessions that were popular with locals last season.

Also returning in 2012 is the Burton Learn-to-Ride Center which will once again feature a modern fleet of Burton snowboards, as well as Armada and Rossignol skis for beginner, advanced and expert riders.

Snow Park NZ will once again this year host a series of local, junior and world-class events, including the AFP Gold Level North Face NZ Freeski Open, the Billabong Bro-Down, Electric Quarterpipe, and the Jr. Slopestyle Series for locals. Also returning this season are private performance camps, attracting some of the world’s best riders.

“Snow Park’s events and camps are an important part of the resort’s image and are crucial to the viability of the resort,” said Marketing Manager Kristy Quin, returning for her third season at Snow Park NZ.  “Snow Park has always been the destination of choice for many high profile global events, and this year is no different. In fact, we expect to make more announcements very soon.”

Snow Park NZ also offers a range of on-mountain luxury and budget accommodations, providing a ski-in, ski-out experience offered by very few NZ ski resorts.

“Day or night, in the terrain park, or lounging by the fire in the Woolshed, Snow Park NZ’s combination of terrain, activities, great food and family friendly atmosphere and laid back vibe make for a unique winter alpine experience,” added Sadowski-Synnott. “The team at Snow Park is geared up and ready for a great 2012.”