New big mountain skiing experience at Roundhill

The world's longest and steepest rope tow has opened up access to some of the biggest terrain in Australasia at New Zealand's Roundhill Ski Area this winter.

The ski area, located near Lake Tekapo in the South Island's Mt Cook Mackenzie region, has always been popular for its family-friendly beginner and intermediate runs but the new rope tow will now add advanced terrain to the mix.

At 1,473 metres long with a 626 metre vertical rise and top elevation of 2,133 metres, the Heritage Express Rope Tow triples Roundhill's vertical and gives access to the amazing steeps, chutes and big wide open spaces of The Two Thumb Range.

Roundhill co-owner Christian Burtscher is thrilled with the development and says it will definitely add a whole new dimension for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities.

Burtscher explains "Roundhill has always been popular with families and intermediate skiers because of its wide open spaces, relaxed vibe and all day sun but now we have a new area completely dedicated to giving more advanced skiers and riders the thrill of challenging big mountain terrain.

"This is completely unchartered territory for our diehard fans who come year after year. I can't wait to see their faces after they've made their first tracks and got a taste of how amazing the terrain is."

Recent heavy snowfalls have come at a perfect time according to Burtscher, who adds "the entire ski area is blanketed.

"We're averaging about 1.3 metres of snow on Roundhill itself and our new big mountain terrain is looking amazing. Snowmaking has begun on Roundhill, the rope tow will be completed this week and the staff are absolutely pumped and canât wait to open."

Roundhill's excellent snow conditions are music to the ears of the Austrian, Canadian and Swiss Womenâs Olympic ski teams who will be training there this year.

For more information go to www.roundhill.co.nz