26 August 2011
Extreme weather hampers opening of Bike Park
Mother Nature has forced the Queenstown Bike Park to delay its scheduled
opening date for the 2011/12 season.
Skyline Queenstown, who provide gondola assisted bike access to the Park,
confirmed that its service will now begin on Saturday 17th September. It was
due to start on Sunday week (4th September).
The recent storm that brought chaos to Queenstown and much of the South
Island dumped more than 40cm of snow on trails throughout the Park that is
managed by Queenstown Lakes District Council. Ongoing freeze-thaw has
prevented scheduled maintenance that would have seen it open on schedule.
Phat Lines, contractors employed by the Bike Park, have been preparing trails
for opening day since before the latest dump. Much of their scheduled work
has been hampered by the weather and the need for unexpected snow
clearance.
Blair Deasy, Skyline Queenstown General Manager, said the MTB crew was
working very hard to repair and maintain trails.
“It’s disappointing but probably comes as no surprise given we’ve had the
biggest snowstorm in Queenstown for more than fifty years. This short delay
gives us time to bring forward maintenance work to ensure the trails not only
open in good condition but stay like that for the rest of the season,” he said.
Both the Wakatipu Trails Trust and Vertigo Bikes recently announced they
were helping fund maintenance of the Queenstown Bike Park. Some of the
work allocated for this funding is now taking place before the Park opens,
removing the need for temporary trail closures during the season.
Mr Deasy said Skyline has already sold several season and half-season
passes but they are acting to compensate these riders.
“We’re contacting all pass holders inviting them up for a free buffet lunch. It’s
our way of compensating loyal local customers who are mad keen to be
hitting the trails. We share their frustration but can guarantee that the Park will
be in the best shape possible come opening day.”
Even with the two-week delay the season will run for seven and a half
months.
Picture captions:
1. Exposed areas of Hammy’s Track still under snow
2. Forested MTB trail showing significant snowfall
For more information contact:
Blair Deasy
General Manager, Skyline Queenstown
T: 03 441 0081
M: 0274 316 905
E: blaird@skyline.co.nz
For more details on Skyline MTB visit:
www.skyline.co.nz/queenstown/MTB
