Winter
DRAFT Media Release from Destination Mount Cook Mackenzie
XX June 2011
Winter underway in Mackenzie Country
The quirky and the traditional is what visitors can expect from an events lineup designed
for winter fun amongst the breathtaking beauty of the Mt Cook Mackenzie region.
Lake Tekapo’s famous Alpine Springs is iced up and ready to host slick Ice Skating and
Ice Disco moves. Ice Hockey and Curling is already underway and a brand new 69
metre long magic carpet carrying visitors to the top of 150 metre long by 50 metre wide
Snow Tubing slope will be open for visitors to hurtle down from mid-June.
Ahoy snow sports lovers – Ohau Snow Fields opening day on June 25 gets underway
with its traditional Pirate Night at the Lake Ohau Lodge bar. All ‘buckos’ are instructed to
join them for the usual fun and live entertainment from The Scurvy Dogs.
July 9 is the 25th anniversary of the Irish Hooley being held at Ohau and again the
celebrated Ohau Hooley and special Irish Winter Olympics will be held. Expect all sorts
of shenanigans on the snow field and some good Irish ‘craic’ with the Black Velvet band
playing in the lodge at night.
Roundhill Ski Area is set to open on July 9 and the legacy of Karl Burtscher Senior will
be celebrated on July 30 with a Giant Slalom race. Dress up in lycra, fluoro and leg
warmers on August 6 for the legendary Roundhill 80’s day, complete with hilarious
water jumps and entertainment. Roundhill’s extreme Surface Ski ‘Who’s your Daddy’
Downhill competition takes place on August 13 and features the mountain’s Heritage
Express Rope Tow – this one’s not for the faint hearted.
Don your kilt and head to Ohau on August 13 for the Ben ‘Ohoo’ Highland Games and
Scottish Night in the Lake Ohau Lodge restaurant. They’ve got all things Scottish going
on with plenty of tartan, haggis, bagpipes and the infectious tunes of The ‘Mac’ Black
Velvet Band.
Skiers and riders can get involved at the Soul Surf and Skate Snow Jam on August 20
at Roundhill with a slopestyle competition held in Central Park. Spectators can watch the
action from the deck of the Two Thumb Café.
The legendary one and only Ohau Snow Ball is an event not to be missed. It’s a fancy
dress party that takes place on September 10 at Lake Ohau Lodge. The fun rolls into
the next day with people and costumes galore on Ohau Snow Fields.
Young guns will tear down the slopes on September 10-11 for the Inter-field junior ski
race series at Roundhill and the Dynastar Chill Gromfest on September 17. The
Gromfest is an opportunity for young ‘uns to get to grips with the Central Park terrain
park.
On September 17, Mt Dobson Ski Area will celebrate the Rugby World Cup with its
premiere ‘20 Below Rugby in the Snow’ tournament – seven a side, men’s and mixed
teams competing in the snow. All money raised on the day will go towards the
Christchurch earthquake relief fund.
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Finally to celebrate the end of the season retro style it’s ‘hot diggidy dog’ Hot Dog Day
on September 25 for the closing day of Ohau Snow Fields – this is another chance to
show off your fluoro one piece suit – we know you love it.
The Mount Cook Mackenzie Country is home to some of the country’s most majestic
scenery and is the ideal destination for your winter holiday whether you are looking for a
romantic getaway or a fun family holiday with the kids – there’s something for everyone.
For more information about events or winter holidays in the Mt Cook Mackenzie region
visit www.mackenziewinter.co.nz.
The regions ski fields are set to open in true Mackenzie style at Ohau (June 25),
Roundhill (July 9), and Mt Dobson (July 9).
ENDS
Photo captions (higher resolution images available):
1/ Alpine Springs Ice Skating Rink
2/ 80’s Day at Round Hill Ski Area
3/ Ohau Highland Games in 2010
4/ Snowboarder enjoying Mt Dobson on a Bluebird day
For more information please contact:
Prue Blake
Winter Marketing Manager
Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie
Phone 03 680 6726 / 027 210 3184
Email prue.blake@xtra.co.nz
www.mackenziewinter.co.nz or www.mtcooknz.com
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