Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas in Queenstown are gearing up for the school holidays with some fantastic programmes for school aged snow lovers designed to maximize fun on the slopes.

The Kruiser Squad holiday programme offers the ultimate five day snow experience for novice to advanced skiers aged from six to 17 years old or boarders aged from eight to 17 years old starting on the 6th and 13th of July at both ski areas.

Matt Lazell, Children’s Snowsports Manager, said kids would learn to improve their skills with individual feedback and attention from first class instructors in a fun environment.

“We aim to create a friendly and supportive learning environment that is safe and based on sound principles of child development to maximize improvement and enjoyment.”

Mr Lazell said participants would also be given the opportunity to explore the world of freestyle with some special sessions from the freestyle experts.

The Kruiser Squad programme includes lunch and lunchtime supervision, and runs from 10.20am to 3.50pm each day for the five days.

For alternative one to five day options, children aged from six through to 17 years old can sign up to the Kea Club and Shredders ski and snowboard programmes (available throughout the season), starting at 10am daily

Mr Lazell said the programmes encouraged maximum participation on snow with fellow skiers or snowboarders of similar ability.

“It’s an excellent way for children to make new friends and have a great active day out,” he said.

Mr Lazell said the snowsports programmes were the most affordable in the region, especially when considering that children aged 10 and under receive free day lift passes at The Remarkables and those aged six and under free day lift passes at Coronet Peak.

Both mountains offer family friendly facilities with dedicated beginners’ areas and fully licensed Skiwiland Early Learning Centres.

Run by professionally trained children’s instructors and qualified Early Childhood Educators the Skiwiland Early Learning Centres cater for children as young as three months old.

“The centres provide fun activities both indoors and outdoors leaving parents free to enjoy the slopes safe in the knowledge that their children are in the best care and having fun,” he said.

Mr Lazell said Spike the Kiwi and his pal Shred the Kea, resident mascots at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, would be lending moral support to the kids throughout the holidays.

“These guys love attention and love to have fun with the kids so expect to see them playing up during the holiday period,” he said.

The Remarkables is also offering family discounts on a range of snowsports packages. Meanwhile, non skiers and riders can check out the ski area’s Ozone Tubing Park for a different version of fun in the snow.

For more information visit http://www.nzski.com/mountainproducts/c ... programmes