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Posted on Wednesday July 21st at 4:39 p.m.
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CPIT students Ralph Shaw and Leo Nitschke-Wall are stoked with the new set up in the Magic Carpet.
The new 145 meter protective tunnel was introduced at Mt Hutt ahead of the 2010 winter season and has so far been extremely popular with all levels of skiers and riders who enjoy the novelty experience.
The Mt Hutt team supervised by Assistant Ski Area Manager, James McKenzie built the tunnel using 12 disused shipping containers each 12m in length. Its design purpose is to eliminate a number of key operational issues including snow clearing after a storm, ice build-up under the belt during operation and a slippery belt surface that previously meant that beginners had to remove skis or snowboards to ride the lift safely
The new addition cost around $70,000 to build and features LCD television screens displaying basic tips and instructions for learners, snow sports video loops and promotional material as well as viewing windows.
Mr McKenzie said the new Magic Carpet tunnel attracts great attention at Mt Hutt and particularly enthralls youngsters who have never ridden anything as quirky and adventurous before.
"It ticks all the boxes for kids with originality, experience and entertainment - they love it. Parents love it because it keeps the family warm and gives a sheltered rest on the journey up the slopes, "he said.
"A lot of extra modifications have been done to ensure there is plenty of headroom, along with light entertainment in the form of TV screens along the entire length of the tunnel."
Concrete foundations and cable anchors hold the containers in place and steel flashings at the joins keep the tunnel watertight. Other improvements to the Mt Hutt beginners' area include earthworks to widen the slope and provide a more consistent slope angle.
"The upgraded beginners' area now provides a great introduction to Mt Hutt," said Mr McKenzie.
Snowsports Instructor Hilary Roache showing off the new TV screens.
