Wanaka ski field looks to fundraise for new base building

Snow Farm - New Zealand’s only cross-country ski field - has today announced that is beginning construction on a temporary base building for the 2023 winter, while seeking to raise $1.3 million towards a permanent facility.

The internationally-renowned cross-country ski area was required to hand back its previous headquarters to the building owner and neighbouring business, Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground (SHPG) in October last year.

Advising that having a facility for skiers to come to is crucial, Snow Farm General Manager, Sam Lee stated “not having a base building it leaves us in operational limbo. We’ve come up with a temporary solution for this season, but if we don’t have the new base building complete by next year it will be detrimental for us in the long-term.

“Snow Farm’s future survival is dependent on having its own base building.”

The not-for-profit ski area operates under the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (PACT). PACT has raised $700,000 towards stage one of the building but needs an additional $1.3 million to complete the 264 metre² reception, ticketing, rentals area, fitting and day lodge.

From funds already raised, the earthworks and slab towards the permanent base building will begin in April.

To ensure there is a facility available this winter, a temporary structure - separate containers joined by a roof - will be placed on top of the completed slab.

Lee added “once the new base building is funded, the temporary structure will be relocated and repurposed as the groomer shed, when the remainder of stage one is completed.”

PACT is actively seeking donations and grants to raise the remaining $1.3 million before construction continues in the summer of 2023/24.

PACT takes a multi-pronged approach to fundraising for capital projects, which has been instrumental in the purchase of a new groomer in 2020 ($475,000) and construction of the 36-bed Musterers/Schools Hut, dedicated in 2022 ($750,000).

Funding for both projects came from community grants and trusts, internally-generated funds and donations.

Snow Farm hosts more than 15,000 users annually, including community groups and 33 schools from Christchurch to Invercargill.

Lee goes on to explain “we try to keep our pricing reasonable and offer a snow experience that is affordable and accessible for everyone by providing season pass rates at $149 - the lowest in the region - but to continue offering this community facility we do need more support.

“We’re actively seeking donations from the community trusts and grants, but need all the help we can get, to raise enough to ensure the survival of Snow Farm long-term.”

Donations are now being accepted with more information on the Snow Farm website at www.snowfarm.nz/donations

Images: Snow Farm General Manager Sam Lee speaking at the Musterer's Hut opening (top) and on the site of the new base building (below).