This winter season, Treble Cone, New Zealand is playing host to the World Cup Alpine Ski Teams. Presenting 550 hectares of varied terrain and boasting the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes, Treble Cone consistently attracts the world�s leading ski athletes to train each winter on its powder slopes.

An unprecedented line-up of athlete champions - led by Austrian gold-medallist, Hermann Maier and Bode Miller from the United States - have begun training on a slope equipped exclusively for high-speed ski racing.

�It is extremely exciting for Treble Cone to host such an incredible ensemble of champion skiers this year,� says Anna Yeates, Treble Cone�s Marketing Manager. Last month the entire Austrian Ski Team trained at Treble Cone for the first time, comprising thirty-two male and eleven female athletes. A crew of forty supporting doctors, physiotherapists and ski coaches also accompanied the ski squad.

Treble Cone has become much sought-after due to its well-groomed slopes for both beginners and intermediates, off-piste skiing for advanced powderhounds as well as free riding terrain for snowboarders. Simply, it�s the snow quality that really makes Treble Cone unrivalled and this is the reason why we continue to position ourselves as the premier race training facility in the Southern Hemisphere. For champion athletes, we provide them with speed, lengthy ski runs and challenging terrains.

Many international teams are looking for alternative resorts to train, especially where the weather conditions are consistent and the snow is nothing short of spectacular. Treble Cone is also known for its snowmaking and terrain preparation along with world class safety precautions such as fence runs and tower pads. The area�s highly trained operators likewise make it possible for skiers of every ability to enjoy world cup snow conditions.

Following close on the tracks of the Austrian World Cup team are the U.S. National Men�s and Women�s Team, French National Men�s Slalom World Cup Team, Japanese FIS ski racers and the German National Women�s Team, who will perfect their technique and dry landing training in early September.

Along with playing host to the alpine ski teams from around the globe, Treble Cone recently acquired the Wanaka Ski Race Academy. Already training a number of Olympic contenders for the 2006 and 2010 games, the academy�s program, headed by Adi Bersconi, is slated to attract many young athletes for ski race training over the next decade.

In 2003, Treble Cone correspondingly formed the Treble Cone Race Department, led by Austrian-born, Geunther Birgmann. The department is currently coordinating the international teams along with heading New Zealand�s first and only full-time Masters Race Training Program for athletes.

Treble Cone has continued to enhance on-mountain experiences with nearly NZ $2 million invested in new facilities including a bar and caf� as well as cutting-edge high-performance skis, carvers and snowboard equipment. Other capital improvements include the upgrading the area�s trail signage for easier access in addition to purchasing two new Kassbohrer 300 Winch Groomers from Europe.

"Investing in our resort product and service is how we provide skiers and snowboarders the best skiing experience," says Ms.Yeates.

Throughout the month of September visitors to Treble Cone can enjoy an informative guided tour to view the champion athletes training every morning, daily from 08.00AM to 09.00AM.

Treble Cone Ski Area is New Zealand�s premier winter destination. The resort - which is consistently ranked among the top ten mountain resorts in the world for its accessibility, terrain parks and great ski packages - is conveniently located 19 kilometres from Wanaka�s beautiful alpine lake setting. With easy access to fine lodging, dining and transportation, Treble Cone and the Wanaka community likewise provide the perfect location for excellent dry training, with its proactive fitness centre and off road endurance tracks along with a hint of European ambience.

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Media contact: David Wasserman, Sydney david@wasamedia.com Ph: 0411199376

TREBECONE Website: Visit www.treblecone.com Treble Cone Tour � Ph: 64 3 4437443