After an unfavourable geotechnical report blindsided the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (PACT), meaning the first stage of a new base building for the Snow Farm could not be built in time for the coming season, cross country skiers were told to expect a “back to basics season”.

Now, Snow Farm users and representatives have appealed to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to provide facilities at the site - which is on a recreational reserve leased to the trust - in time for winter.

Peter Soundy of the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust represented 103 submitters (including the Waiorau Nordic Sports Club) at last week’s Annual Plan submissions hearing, asking for facilities at the Waiorau Recreation Reserve this winter.

“Our request is $300,000 allocation to a toilet block and utilities building and shelter and $150,000 for car parking,” he told councillors.

“We have relied on a toilet block in the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground (SHPG) building for a number of years and it is no longer available to us… There is no actual car parking on the reserve itself.

This winter’s facilities will be a far cry from the facilities planned. IMAGE: Supplied

“We’re not asking for a grant: We’re asking for council to build these facilities. We’re happy to manage that build on your behalf… We’ve already done the design, got it priced up, got the consent. We’re ready to go.”

The SHPG ended its lease with the Snow Farm, meaning the ski area can no longer access its toilets, indoor area, and possibly also its carpark, and with the new base building delayed, submitters said the onus is on the council to provide facilities for the hugely popular reserve.

Read more: Snow Farm in urgent need of donations

The Snow Farm hosts more than 30 local schools each winter as well as affordable fun for families. PHOTO: Supplied

Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust trustee John Burridge also submitted, saying he was “horrified at the loss of facilities both for our community but also all the foreign teams that inspire our youngsters”. 

“Surely QLDC can assist us erect something more fitting and recover the international reputation that [Snow Farm founders John and Mary Lee] passed to us. 

Former Lake Wānaka Tourism general manager James Helmore also submitted that council include funding in the Annual Plan for the construction of “desperately needed facilities” at the Waiorau Recreation Reserve.

He noted the Snow Farm is on QLDC land leased to the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust; that the Snow Farm is the only Nordic ski facility in New Zealand, one of only three in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only non-profit ski area in the Southern Lakes region.

More than 30 schools use the Snow Farm to learn about the winter backcountry, skiing, snowshoeing, and snow-caving.

“The Snow Farm is a national resource that provides for all ages and abilities year round,” James said.

The Snow Farm season is scheduled to begin on June 30 and pass sales and alpine hut bookings for the ski area have increased this year.