After a devastating arson attack in February 2009 caused well over $10 million in damage to facilities at Whakapapa in New Zealand, replacement buildings for those destroyed have received resource and building consents in time for construction this southern hemisphere summer. The location for the new Knoll Ridge Café is 50 metres downhill of the old site on the edge of the western bluff. The impressive 400 seat café will have easy skier access from the Express and Valley T-Bar, with main facilities all on one level and toilets below. Part of the redevelopment plan includes an extension to the Top of the Bruce café facilities and a larger retail space.
These decisions reflect the cultural and environmental considerations to have smaller facilities higher up the mountain. The new groomer shed is set to go below the Valley T-Bar drive station and is also in a new location from the destroyed original. This new location gives back what is great piste area and takes the shed out of the way so it doesn’t take up any ski terrain.
