Mount Hutt skifield

Press, 22 September 1978, Page 12

Mount Hutt skifield

Sir, — While I read with interest, Mr Yeoman’s comments (“The Press,” September 18) I think it is regrettable that too often Mr Yeoman is called upon to cover up mistakes made at the field. A radio report from the skifield on Saturday announced that the field was closed but that a great day was expected on Sunday, The report on Sunday morning was good, with no mention of limited parking areas. In good faith we reached the toll gate at 11 a.m. to learn that the top car park had not been cleared of snow because the management had already parked cars in a way which prevented further bulldozing. Either we had to pay $4 each to travel up on the company’s transporters or forgo the day’s ski-ing. — Yours, etc., BARBARA THOMPSON.

September 18, 1978. [The chairman of the Mount Hutt Ski and Alpine Tourist Company, Mr Peter Yeoman, replies: “On Sunday, after heavy snow falls on Saturday and 18 continuous hours of clearing, it was estimated at 6.30- a.m. that sufficient road and car park space would be cleared by the time skiers arrived. Unfortunately the work took slightly longer and more cars arrived than expected at this time of the year. Three hundred cars and several buses were accommodated in the 500-capacity park. Because the road was only one lane wide for the day, it was not possible to park cars on the side and vehicles were stopped at the toll gate. We regret that some patrons were put to extra expense, but working close with nature has its frustrations. The transport company is not owned by the skifield company. We would also appreciate correspondents who pick up the phone before the pen.”]