16 | Snow Farm base build added gem Snow Farm’s new base building will offer several essential services, including ticket sales and equipment rentals. Central Otago: Pisa Alpine Trust T T Alexia Anderson REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT When Snow Farm near Cardrona opens for the upcoming ski season, so too will its new base building. The development marks a pivotal moment for Snow Farm, offering improved facilities and services that aim to elevate the site’s appeal to winter sports enthusiasts. Construction of the new base building has been made possible by the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust, a not-for-profit group dedicated to preserving and enhancing Snow Farm for future generations to come. The trust was formed to secure ownership of Snow Farm, ensuring the area remains available for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and a variety of other recreational and educational activities throughout the year, including summer. Peter Soundy, a trustee of the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust, was pleased to announce the new facility would be available in time for the start of the upcoming season in late June, weather permitting. He said it had been made possible thanks to extensive fundraising efforts over the past couple of years, which would ultimately enhance the facilities already on offer. Set against the backdrop of Snow Farm’s pristine slopes, the new base building will offer several essential services, including ticket sales and equipment rentals, making it a one-stop shop for skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts. However, the trust does not plan to stop there, with other projects also on the drawing board. Future plans include the development of a larger public space to accommodate a lunch area and classroom space. This will be part of the second phase of the project, scheduled to take place in a couple of years. Peter emphasised the great support the trust had received during the development of the base hub, with the main donors being Central Lakes Trust and The Community Trust of Otago. With an overall project cost of about $900,000, including resource consents and earthworks, the trust’s fundraising efforts have taken the full three years from project inception until early this year. “We’ve had a big fundraising effort and we’ve had some great support from consultants and contractors providing discounts and pro-bono work,” Peter said. “Recent generous support from Cardrona locals and members of the skiing community has allowed us to fully complete this stage of the project,” Peter added. Volunteers have also helped with the final painting and relocation of the ski rental equipment into the new building. Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust has been steadily upgrading Snow Farm’s facilities over recent years. The new base building follows the completion of a ski hut about two years ago, demonstrating continuous progress and commitment to enhancing the site. Snow Farm, situated on 298 hectares of land, was transferred to the Queenstown Lakes District Council in 2012 and was established as a recreation reserve. This status protects the area in perpetuity for cross-country skiing and summer recreational activities. Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust now manages the day-to-day operations of Snow Farm, ensuring that any surplus generated is reinvested into essential assets, such as trail and hut maintenance, and equipment upkeep. With the unveiling of the new base building, Snow Farm is set to offer an improved and enriched experience for all its visitors, reflecting the trust’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing what is considered a treasured recreational area. Your go-to environmental management specialists We are a specialist team of environmental consultants providing science-based advice and support for the construction and development industry. • Environmental Management Plans • Erosion and Sediment Control Plans • Water Quality Monitoring • Chemical Treatment Management Plans • Environmental Training • Construction Phase Monitoring and Reporting www.enviroscope.co.nz Proud to be associated with Pisa Alpine Trust We’re forward-thinking builders with an eye for detail, specialising in high-quality residential builds across Queenstown’s top locations. Queenstown's Building and Construction Experts Email: rob@fergusonbuilders.co.nz Ph: 021 0818 2176
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=