Highlights include the Pump Mini Mountain now part of a national series of junior development events and expected to attract nationwide competition and the return of the ICE on the Plaza sculpting competition.

Due to huge growth in the popularity of the Pump Mini Mountain, the weekend event (15-16 September) is now a part of New Zealand Snow Sports junior development series leading up to the Junior Nationals. The focus of Pump Mini Mountain is to encourage young skiers and snowboarders under 14 years to take on Treble Cone’s legendary freeride terrain with a day of teaching technique, skills and tricks followed by a two-run big mountain competition on day two.

Following the successful launch of the ice sculpting competition last year, ICE on the Plaza will offer ten budding ice sculptures one day (Sunday 1 July) to create and carve ice masterpieces from a one metre block of ice. Completed carvings will be on display during the first week of July with judging taking place on Friday 6 July. The winners will scoop a share of the $1400 cash prize pool, Absolut Vodka and Treble Cone day passes.

To kick off Treble Cone’s event programme, an off-mountain twilight cinema (17 June) at Lone Star, Wanaka will screen a selection of short and fun ski and board movies from all over the world to get snow sports fans enthused for the season ahead.

A favourite with the younger visitors to Treble Cone is TC Cat’s Birthday, a party on the slopes that everyone is invited to. There will be games and cake for the youngsters and a special appearance from TC Cat’s new mascot.

A popular event with the local skiers and riders is theThe Base Triple Comp (21 July) which includes the Banked Slalom, an expression session and either a Jib Jam or Norwegian Downhill to finish. The event is a lot of fun with fantastic prizes on offer.

July 27 sees the return of the NZ Snowboarder Banked Slalom. This year the challenging Gun Barrel is the site for this traditional leg-burner event. Snowboarders of all abilities are welcome to enter and will each complete two runs with the best run counting.

A great event to spectate is the North Face Freeski Open, catch the freeskiers in action as they take on the Motutapu chutes 13–17 August. For the more serious skiers the FIS GS and Slalom races will be held 1-3, 5 and 25-26 August and the Treble Cone Ski Masters Giant Slalom on 2 September.

The country’s students will take to the slopes August 28-29 for the New Zealand University Snow Games competing in parallel slalom, giant slalom and slopestyle.

With a scheduled closing day of 30 September, Treble Cone will re-open, snow permitting, for one day on 6 October for the local charity fundraising day.  A last chance to get some turns in, enjoy spring skiing and also generate funds for a local charity.

Marketing manager Nigel Kerr said it is important to ensure everyone is catered for throughout the season. “There is a really good mix of events this year with tougher challenges and courses for the more serious skiers and riders, events specifically targeted at the youth’s development and plenty on offer for fun family days out,” he said.

Treble Cone will open on 28 June 2012 with celebratory Amisfield bubbles for the first skiers and riders on the lift. For more information and the full calendar of events visit www.treblecone.com.