Snow Park NZ closed to public for good!
Despite been recently sold it looks like there are no future plans to open Snowpark NZ to the public!
The new owner of Snow Park NZ near Wanaka has confirmed it will remain closed to the public permanently. Despite hints it would reopen in the future it looks like the new owners have other plans for the site. The land was recently bought by neighboring vehicle and car testing business Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds.
“We won’t open to the public next winter,” its managing director Tom Elworthy says.
“I think that’s it – we’ll be closed permanently to the public now.”
Elworthy says the company still planned to cater to international ski and snowboard teams and individuals.
“Short summary is we only got a modest amount of interest really, there isn’t the demand. So we’ve pretty much decided we won’t be building a pipe and park this year at all.
“We may cater for some race teams, slalom and GS teams, with race lanes in late August this year or future years.”
The future of the Snowpark will see it used for ice driving experiences for European car manufacturers’ New Zealand dealerships and conference and incentive groups.
Originally opened by the Lee family in 2002 Snowpark NZ was run as a boutique mountain resort and training facility for international skiers and snowboarders. Tough times over the last few years forced the sale.
It's a big blow to the freestyle scene in NZ despite this season having one of the best starts on record.