Skifields
The true fascination of speed riding lies in off-piste riding. Before you get to this point, you need to be a good skier and go through some training with a qualified school, experienced in speed riding.
Some of the training is best done on a suitable slope on a ski field. We have been using certain areas of the Ruapehu ski fields. Please check with us before you go there, so that we can give you some details on which areas to use or any communication or restrictions the ski field operators may want you to know about.
Careful consideration of other ski field users is paramount. Here are some basic rules:
- experienced riders should use off-piste areas
- check with Wings & Waves or the ski field operator which areas you are allowed to use
- get qualified instructions
- skiers and snowboarders have right of way
- stay 50m away from lifts and other structures
- stop / land with 50-100 m distance from lift stations to avoid merging with skiers in crowded areas
- avoid congested runs on the ski field
- appreciate that other ski field users are usually un-aware of the degree of 3 dimensional control you have - avoid scaring anyone
- appreciate that from some angles you seem to be a lot closer to the lifts than you are
We have been speed riding at Ruapehu for 4 seasons with great success and without any problems. The Far West at Whakapapa is most suitable for practice as it offers a wide open are with very little traffic and a large area to land or run out on. Please contact us for advise or join us on the mountain to avoid any issues.
We have a good relationship with RAL and with ski patrol, and we would like to keep it that way. Please try to be friendly, informative and cooperative at all times.