-
Source: ONE News -
Related
There has been disappointment for skiers on Ruapehu's Whakapapa ski field, as the opening of the upper slopes was delayed on Friday.
Arsonists set fire to the main Noel Ridge Cafe and three groomers in February. It caused millions of dollars worth of damage and was a major setback for the skifield.
"It was pretty devastating, and, as well as the financial costs...it really tripled a lot of people's workload," says Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith.
It has been a race against time to build the temporary cafe, which only seats 80 people. The old one seated 400.
The delay in opening the upper skifield means more snow for skiers though.
There was 5cm of fresh snow Thursday night which means they are on target to open the top slopes on Saturday morning.
"There has been a lot of action here in the last few days trying to get extra things here and make it happen," says project manager Russell Lacaine.
Skiers will be hoping for a picture perfect day to kick off the school holidays.
