Last chance to snap up Early Bird ski deals

Keen skiers and snowboarders have until midnight on Thursday (11 March) to take advantage of the very best season pass deals for New Zealand’s premier ski areas.

On sale since 12 February, the range of discounted Early Bird passes for Queenstown’s Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and Canterbury’s Mt Hutt offer the best possible prices for those who buy online at www.nzski.com.

James Coddington, NZSki Ltd CEO, said it was necessary to introduce an increase this year to reflect the significant investment the company continues to make, along with external costs significantly increasing.

“The world-leading radio frequency ID system we’re introducing to all three ski areas is a major investment, which will provide huge benefits to users now and in the future. 

“The microchip embedded in all passes will result in a more a more efficient, integrated and customer-focused experience.

“Lift access will be quicker and easier than ever before as the passes are electronically checked when skiers and boarders pass through specially designed gates.  The gates can even scan through clothing so there’s no need for people to fish around trying to find their passes.

The new system is similar to those already installed in many North American and European ski areas, however NZSki’s system will be the world’s first fully integrated, ‘stored value’ card.  It’s also expected to virtually eliminate fraudulent use of passes and people skiing/riding without paying.

Mr Coddington said novice skiers and riders at Coronet Peak will enjoy enhancements to the beginner/novice area which has been significantly upgraded and features a new, state-of-the-art quad chairlift.

People are strongly encouraged to purchase online at www.nzski.com to take advantage of the Early Bird season pass deals. Alternatively, application forms can be downloaded from the website and are also available from Snow Centres in Queenstown and Methven Physical, postal, fax and in-person applications will incur a $20 administration fee.

The Early Bird time payment option, is only available online and designed to help people manage cash flow, enables customers to pay for passes in three installments. The Early Bird offers are only available until 11 March 2010, after which prices will increase to a shoulder rate from 12 March to 4 June 2010 and then a main season rate.