Skifield potential in the Wakatipu district: an evaluation of the potential for, and the on-slope constraits to skifield development, principally at Coronet Peak and in the Rastus Burn basin of the Remarkables : [dissertation] in partial fulfilment for the Diploma in Parks and Recreation, Lincoln College, Canterbury

Abstract

Only one comprehensive ski area assessment has been undertaken in New Zealand. The 1977 Whakapapa Skifield Survey resulted in the Tongariro National Park Board determining that better slope utilisation could be achieved within the existing developed area by upgrading the lift capacity, rather than expanding the lift-serviced area. The goal of this treatise is to assess physical carrying capacities and other factors relevant to skifield operation at three locations in the Wakatipu district. It is the hypothesis of this paper the Coronet Peak plus the recently opened Mount Cardrona Skifield can satisfy skifield slope requirements in the district, without development of the Rastus Burn which is itself unsuitable for skifield use.