Cardrona, New Zealand - Many brave souls challenged icy roads and a bleak outlook on Thursday June 29 to be the first to hit the array of new features at Snow Park NZ for the 2006 season. However, soon after the 9am start the day rewarded the brave with blue skies, sunshine and mild temperatures.
Riders rocked up to the park to ride a record amount of opening day features including a perfectly cut quarterpipe, a step-up, hip, novice and intermediate boxes and rails. The new four-metre artificial cliff drop opened to the public mid-morning providing hours of entertainment.
Also scattered around were 15, 25 and 45-foot jumps, and on top of that…fresh powder at the park!
“Today was a huge success” commented Sam Lee, Snow Park General Manger “This is first time we have ever been open in June and we are really excited to be able to open so much terrain for everyone so early on, an indication that Snow Park is set for its biggest season yet”.
In store for the 2006 season…a packed events calendar with Snow Park hosting the NZ Burton Open, along with returning favourites Billabong Slopestyle, Quicksliver King of the Park, Freeski Open and more. Snow Park Village opens to the public in August, offering up food and drink at ‘The Woolshed Restaurant & Bar’, ski in/out bunkroom accommodation as well as luxury apartments styled out with hot tubs and BBQ’s.
The ‘Ka-Pie’ cafe served up tasty treats and the retail shop cranked selling all new ’06 gear. Snow Park NZ is open 7 days, 9am-4pm.