New Meadows Chair promises fun for novices and families at Coronet Peak

Posted on 16 May 2010 at 02:39 PM

The installation of a brand new state-of-the-art quad chairlift dedicated to novice skiers and riders is nearly complete at Coronet Peak.

Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says progress has been good and load testing will start next week.

“The haul rope (cable) is on, it has been spliced, and it is up and running on both the electric and auxiliary motors. We’re now just finishing final alignment adjustments and completing installation of the loading carpet before putting the chairs on line.”

The Meadows Express can move up to 2000 passengers per hour and Mr McCrostie says it will massively improve the experience for novices. 

“More lift capacity and more trail capacity will mean exponentially more fun.  We know that families in particular will be delighted with the new lift and associated trail work.” 

The Meadows Express is designed with children in mind and includes a range of safety features such as automated safety bars which descend over passengers when the chair leaves the lift terminal and rise prior to disembarking at the top.  There is also a “kid stop” mechanism designed to ensure very young skiers don’t slip underneath the bar – it fits between their legs to keep them in place. The chair also has an automatic loading carpet, making it simple to load onto

The 2010 improvements are part of a five-year multi-million dollar redevelopment programme which has elevated Coronet Peak to true international status.  The redevelopment has included the installation of the six-seater Greengates lift, a massive snowmaking system and a stunning new base building which provides state-of-the-art facilities and magnificent views across the Wakatipu Basin.

Located 20 minutes drive from central Queenstown, Coronet Peak ski area is scheduled to open on Saturday 5 June.