There is a definite energy around the Snow Park NZ Town Office this pre-season period. The Snow Park NZ team is in full preparation mode for the up and coming 2010 winter season.

It is a case of all hands on deck, renewed vision and the entire team is getting stuck in. The core philosophy of the Park is well and truly at front of mind for Sam Lee – General Manager Snow Park NZ.

“We made it a priority to review the past 7 years with our Snow Park NZ family

- the customers, friends and staff – to find out what people feel are the unique aspects of our resort and what we need to improve on. The message was, that while Snow Park NZ has grown fast and gained it’s reputation as an international icon for freestyle snowboarding and skiing, we need to re-energise the momentum, improve the customer experience at the Cafe, the Woolshed Restaurant and add to the features in the Park. So we plan to do all of these things and more to lift that positive vibe this year.”

Last week’s announcement of Snow Park NZ securing a deal with Development Snowparks to purchase a 22ft Global Cutter is a factor in building the excitement and an investment Sam considers to be essential for Snow Park NZ.

“Larger pipes are the international standard, and the new cutter shapes a half-pipe that is much safer so everyone is able to get a better experience in a 22ft pipe. While we are pleased to have supported a company in our own back yard, the new technology provides benefits to us in other areas of park operations as well.”

Careful thought has yielded some practical additions to the resort with the introduction of a dedicated learners area. This will incorporate Snow Park NZ’s core characteristics and philosophies by including freestyle elements and fostering progression with premium beginners terrain.

“It’s about educating them right off the bat how to ski or snowboard and giving them an opportunity to hit rails and boxes early on, while keeping them out of harm’s way”

Snow Park NZ also wields a smart line up of ski in/ski out accommodation choices from the bunk rooms – a mountain top backpackers, to the luxury apartments, that are fully complimented by enhanced options at the Cafe and by a vamped up menu at the Woolshed Restaurant and Bar.

“Because we have food and accommodation on the mountain, and given how popular night riding was last year, we will be open on Saturday nights in addition to Tuesday and Friday. This particularly suits families and people traveling to Wanaka for the weekend. Get off school or arrive Friday – ski or board at Snow Park NZ Friday and Saturday night.”

Conceiving the 2010 Park Operations Plan and beginning to implement it is incredibly satisfying for Sam.

“One element is to have additional experienced groomer operators coming in pre-season to help with the initial park build and shaping of features. We need more terrain up and running on opening day and to have all our main features shaped perfectly. I have always been reluctant to promise too much with opening dates or features, but with the added resources at our disposal we’ll have solid options for everyone.”

With a dash of early snow on the hills around Wanaka and Autumn colours setting the scene for a great winter, Snow Park NZ marks the opening day for 2010 with the announcement “Open Season Game On – June 26^th.”

“To the Snow Park NZ family I’d like to emphasise that we are mindful of your love for the resort and that you are the essence of our success, so we are listening and implementing positive changes to ensure we are the best terrain park resort in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Source: Snow Park NZ