End of snow queuing for some

Snow lovers can jump straight out of the car and onto the slopes this winter with the introduction of re-loadable electronic smart cards at Mt Ruapehu.

The electronic cards can be topped up online and on the go to save eager sliders time waiting in lines at the cash out. 

Mike Smith, marketing manager of Mt Ruapehu, believes extending the smart card technology to day and multi-day passes will cut wait times significantly, especially with the influx of international visitors expected on the slopes this season.

"With school holidays pushed into prime skiing time, extensive North Island ski campaigns in Australia and of course a wave of international rugby fans, we are expecting unprecedented numbers on the slopes this season.

"The smart card technology is perfect timing to ease crowd pressure and offer our visitors a convenient alternative to waiting in lift pass queues. You can even top up your card from your smart phone on your way up the hill. It's a brilliant time saver."

Mike says they developed the new cards on the back of the success of the electronic season passes, which have been available for two years.

The smart cards are available now as Early Bird Multi-Day lift passes and can be kept season after season, making them a better environmental choice.

The Early Bird Multi-Day lift passes start from $159 for an adult two-day weekend pass and can be purchased up until 30 June 2011 from www.lovewinter.co.nz.

Ruapehu Snow Bulletin  June 2011