Queenstown, New Zealand - Expert snowmaker Simon Murrell this season returns to his roots at The Remarkables to head the snowmaking and grooming team as Team Leader of Slopes. At just 35, Murrell is a 12-year veteran of snowmaking. His career kicked off in 1995 when he worked at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak as a snowmaker for seven years before leaving to specialise in automated snowmaking systems.
In his new role Simon will be responsible for managing the newly upgraded snowmaking system and the grooming of 220 hectares of terrain.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. This is an opportunity for me to oversee a broad range of operations including specialised work on the Up & Go terrain and rail park”.
Mountain manager Ed Bezett said it was awesome to have Simon, with his wealth of international and national experience, back on the team.
“His understanding of fully automated snowmaking systems will be invaluable in helping us maximise our operation and further build upon our snowmaking system.
“He has the knowledge and skill levels required to deliver premium groomed slopes on a par with international ski fields around the world.”
Over the next two weeks the slopes crew will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, preparing The Remarkables in the lead up to opening on Saturday 24th June. Once the mountain is open, snowmaking and grooming crews will continue to work shifts throughout the night to maintain premium conditions.
This year’s installation of 15 new state-of-the-art automated snowguns into the Sugar Bowl area will increase snowmaking capacity by a massive 75% allowing improved early season snow coverage and snow quality throughout the season.Simon’s true passion is the great outdoors. He is an avid snowboarder, sailor and fisherman. Snowmaking for the 2006 season is scheduled to begin this week.