Wanaka, New Zealand (Monday, May 23, 2005) - A major investment in pre-season earthworks is lining up Cardrona Alpine Resort’s halfpipe and terrain parks for New Zealand skiers and snowboarders.

Under the supervision of John Melville, terrain park builder and halfpipe cutter at Canada’s Whistler/Blackcomb, as well as in his fifth year at Cardrona, the investment will ensure stronger ski and snowboard terrain parks earlier in the season. While wanting to keep a few surprises for when the snow falls, Melville confirmed the Johnny Holmes Superpipe is being widened.

“We’re paying special attention to the pipes this season,” he said. “We’ve got the world’s top riders competing in them for the Burton New Zealand Open and they’ve got to be world class. We will also increase the number of features and fun boxes in the terrain park. We’ve had very positive feedback from riders about the park but we need to keep moving it forward and pushing the skiers and riders harder. We’re obviously dependent on snow to see how far we can take it. However, Cardrona’s terrain park will be up there as not only the country’s longest but also the country’s most varied that compares favorably with overseas facilities.”

Melville believes the strength of the crew, known for their pipe and park capabilities, will ensure the parks’ continued growth and keep them challenging and fresh throughout the season. His two right hand men are Hamish Rudhall, Squaw Valley’s top pipe cutter, and Nick Stephens, who works in Park City, Utah’s terrain park crew.

Local Cardrona rider Abby Lockhart slides on a rail during the 2004 Burton New Zealand Open slopestyle in Cardrona's Heavy Metal Terrain Park. The ski and snowboard resort's pipe and parks are due to undergo an expansion for the 2005 season. (photo: Cardrona Alpine Resort)