The Snow Farm has made good progress on funding its plans for a new school hut, which were revealed in late August.

The Snow Farm is a charitable, not-for-profit company and it currently subsidises school visits to its two existing huts. But with 33 schools, as well as other skiers, using the huts each year, the skifield has made the decision to build a new hut which will include a lecture space, two kitchens, a utility shed and a toilet block.

Earlier this month the Otago Community Trust awarded a $140,000 grant to go towards the construction of the new hut, which came shortly after a grant of $160,770 from Central Lakes Trust (CLT) towards the new facility.

Otago Community Trust chairman Diccon Sim said trustees visited the Snow Farm late last year and were given a detailed overview of the plans for the proposed new hut.

Concept plans for a new base building for the Snow Farm. 

“We are pleased to be supporting this capital project, which will ultimately allow more community groups and schools to enjoy this special part of our region,” Sim said.

Snow Farm board chairman Samuel “Q” Belk said the new ‘Musterers’ Hut would ensure the not-for-profit could keep offering trips and better keep up with demand.

“We are passionate about offering a healthy, inexpensive, and beautiful way for anyone to enjoy and experience the winter in Otago,” he said.

The Snow Farm had a “fantastic season” despite COVID-19, with many people discovering Nordic skiing and the ski area right on their doorstep, Samuel said.

The Snow Farm’s land is owned by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and leased to the charitable company, therefore lessor’s consent is required for any building work. 

The Wanaka Community Board had recommended the consent be approved last month and the consent was approved by full council on Thursday (October 8). 

Concept plans have also been drafted for a new base building for the Snow Farm. 

The Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust manages the day to day operations of the Snow Farm under the subsidiary Snow Farm NZ Ltd. 

IMAGES: Supplied