MT RUAPEHU, 1 APRIL 2019: Tūroa’s High Noon Express chair lift is up and running again ready for the 2019 season opening in a few months.
The chairlift was damaged on August 6 last year during pre-opening avalanche control after a significant storm, and required complete replacement of tower 15, replacement of componentry on tower 14 and a splice repair into the haul rope.
Tūroa General Manager JP Chevalier says, “Skiing and snowboarding the wild, playful and mighty High Noon is a favourite for passionate Tūroa guests and employees alike.
“And I’m pleased to say that after a great effort between lift manufacturers Doppelmayr and our core maintenance staff, we’re ready to open this special lift for the 2019 season.”
To ensure the integrity and accuracy of manufacture the tower was fabricated in Europe entailing exact specifications to Tūroa’s unique requirements; all the way down to the paint type.
“Moving equipment around our great maunga is always a challenge but between the Doppelmayr and Tūroa crews and with helicopter assistance this was achieved precisely and efficiently,” JP says.
The High Noon Express is New Zealand’s highest express chairlift taking skiers and riders up to 2322m above sea level and providing access to some of the most spectacular views and incredible terrain.
“In some ways while we have exceptional mid-field terrain, this upper mountain zone off the High Noon is the main vein to allowing our culture to flourish. Our people love this place and the High Noon terrain is sensational for free skiing and free riding and certainly the best in New Zealand within ski area boundaries,” JP says.
“Tūroa will be fully operational for the beginning of the 2019 winter season, scheduled to start on 29 June and we’re looking forward to an amazing season at Tūroa and we will also be celebrating our 40th winter! #WeAreTuroa #turoaturns40.”
