Criticism Of Ski Fields Warning

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31731, 15 July 1968, Page 16

Criticism Of Ski Fields Warning

It was “nothing less than ridiculous” for the Canterbury Ski Association to make statements about avalanche dangers at ski fieidb in the province without first checking with the fields, said Mr A. Urquhart, the managing-director of the Erewhon Park Tourist Company, yesterday. He said that commercial ski fields, such as at Erewhon Park, which cater for the public were at all times very conscious of their responsibilities. "Rash statements about avalanche dangers, which supposedly embrace all fields in Canterbury, when ironically conditiops are well nigh perfect, is nothing less than ridiculous," he said. Mr Urquhart said that at the park some of the early snow was blown off the tops thus averting the danger of avalanches. Snow was up to 20ft deep in some parts of the park, and the road inland from Mt Somers was slippery and care was needed. All the tows were operating at the week-end and the field

open to the public daily had received steady patronage. Similar concern about the blanket warning by the association was expressed by the president of the Amur! Ski Club at Hanmer Springs. He said that, contrary to the statement, the Amur! club was open and safe for use. The. roads were in good condition and yesterday 56 vehicles were parked by the club’s hut Mr Atkinson said that 40 Christchurch schoolchildren were due at the ski field in about 10 days and because of the avalanche danger parents had been worried by last week’s report from the association.