17th Annual International Airline Pilots And Air Traffic Controllers Ski Festival For Mt Hutt (17-Aug-08)

Mt Hutt, NZ, August 17 2008 - The NZ Airline Pilots Association (NZALPA)

The NZ Airline Pilots Association (NZALPA) is looking forward to carving it up in fantastic snow conditions at Mt Hutt from Monday (August 18) as the association again holds its international ski event at the high country ski area.  

This year marks the 17th running of the event and will attract Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers from around New Zealand as well as Australia and Asia. Already more than 100 people have registered for the event.

The NZALPA Ski Fest runs over 4 days and includes Giant and Dual Slalom Races towards the Asia Pacific Pilot-ATC Ski Championships as well as other activities such as race training, general coaching and lots of free skiing.

“Every time we read or hear of yet another huge snowfall at Mt Hutt, anticipation climbs,” says event coordinator Dave Griffin. “Many of the overseas visitors intend to stay longer in the region and partake in some Canterbury’s other wonderful attractions such as fishing, ballooning and heli skiing as well.”

While competitive, the NZALPA Ski Fest participants enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere providing an opportunity to communicate and better understand each others roles.

Mt Hutt has supported the event over the last 16 years, and ski area manager Dave Wilson is enthusiastic about its continued importance on the global aviation sports calendar.   

“It’s great to see these people back year after year, often with families and groups of friends. Every year it grows that bit. It’s an awesome event and this season they’re going to enjoy possibly the best conditions in the history of the fest,” said Mr Wilson.

The NZ Airline Pilots Association represents around 1900 Airline, Freight and Flying Instructor Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers from around New Zealand.

This year’s event is supported by Mt Hutt, Gravity Sports (Volkl & Marker), Jace’s Ski Hutt, The Blue Pub and Speight’s.

The race programme starts with training on Monday August 18th and race days on the 19th and 20th.