Blacklash sees ski lift company provide free fun

‘‘RAL will provide areas for people to sled for free.’’

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) has ‘‘listened to the community’’ and will provide free snow play and sledding areas.

There has been a public backlash to plans to charge for previously free areas at Happy Valley and Alpine Meadow play.

The company, which runs the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields, is charging $59 for adults and $35 for children.

On Monday, RAL chief executive Ross Copland announced snow lovers would have access to a free sledding and snow play area at the bottom of the Alpine Meadow.

‘‘This, and the additional area within Happy Valley, came about after engagement with concerned locals over the past few weeks. We listened to the issues raised and have worked with our team on a solution,’’ he said.

The company has said people are welcome to find a spot to play and sled in, just not on the main trails where people ski as it poses danger to themselves, and beginner skiiers and snowboarders.

RAL will still offer the $59 and $35 services (though, free for those under 10 with an accompanying paying adult), including covered carpet lift pass, sled hire, sightseeing lift pass.

Copland had earlier stood by the charges, saying the proposed costs were fair.

But locals accused RAL of moneygrabbing and exploiting legislation.

Copland said RAL took the feedback ‘‘very seriously’’.

‘‘Our reputation as a community focused organisation is hugely important to us,’’ he said on Monday.

One of RAL’s key aims was to encourage skiers of all abilities to the ski fields to experience snow, especially families, he said.

‘‘Everyone will continue to enjoy free snow play and sledding in designated areas at both Whakapapa and Turoa’’.

RAL had invested $4m in the Happy Valley area, including covered lifts and state of the art snowmaking machinery, Copland said.

Happy Valley was blanketed in snow early this year , he said.

Copland said the organisation was now reviewing its pricing structure in response to public feedback.

More than 2700 people headed up the mountain for Happy Valley’s opening weekend .