Children's alpine centre

New Zealand's first full-time, seven-day-a-week Children's Alpine Centre is running at Cardrona Alpine Resort in time for the school holidays that started this week.

The $1.5 million purpose-built centre for the under-12s allows parents to go skiing knowing their children are being taught basic snow skills and making new friends, and are in a safe and happy environment.

In addition, trained early childhood teachers run a range of activities, such as art work, songs and finger play.

All the children's facilities open on to a dedicated children's snow area which even has its own magic carpet.

Youngsters are able to learn without being intimidated by bigger, faster skiers and riders.