On a fast learning curve at Coronet Peak

By CATH GILMOUR

Coronet Peak's new magic carpet lift, which carries skiers, boarders and tobogganers uphill on an inclined conveyor belt, is the longest in the world, ski field manager Andy Chapman says.

It carries learners 146m up the Big Easy slope at 8m/s, giving it a capacity of up to 1500 people an hour.

Made in Lyttelton, under licence to Colorado Magic Carpet, it makes learning all snow sports much easier, Mr Chapman says.

Instructors say that nearly 99 per cent of their groups now make it to the top. Even toddlers can go uphill on their own.

Coronet's magic carpet is part of nzski.com's $400,000 upgrade of learners' facilities at both Coronet and the Remarkables this season, Mr Chapman says. The Remarkables now has a 90m magic carpet extending from the car park to the base building, along the learners' slope.

Cardrona spent $250,000 installing the Southern Lakes' first three magic carpets last season. Spokesman Nigel Kerr says overseas research shows people learned to ski or board three times more quickly than on conventional lifts because the angst and energy have been taken out of getting up the slope.