Development Snowparks confirm sale of 22' Global Cutter halfpipe shaper to Snow Park NZ

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (March 22, 2010) – New Zealand based snow park and halfpipe design and construction specialists, Development Snowparks, have this week confirmed the sale of a 22' Global Cutter halfpipe shaper to Snow Park NZ for this coming Winter Season.

The Global Cutter is a ground breaking innovation in halfpipe preparation, and is one of only a few shapers in the world with the ability to produce an Olympic specification 22ft halfpipe.

The sale has solidified Development Snowparks’ prominent position in the Southern Hemisphere.

“It’s great to see Wanaka as the Southern Hemispheres premier destination, holding world class facilities,” said John Melville, Development Snowparks CEO. “It’s a sign that we have a place in the market over here.”

The sale of the Global Cutter also includes the purchase of the laser guidance system - the same system that was used during the build and shaping of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic halfpipe.

The system, which was adapted to halfpipe shaping by Development Snowparks, creates accurate and efficient shaping as the operator is guided to achieve perfect vert, straight line cutting and is assisted during the entire build process.

The laser guidance system alone can save a resort 15% per season in build time including snow cat operation and snow savings.

Sam Lee, General Manager of Snow Park NZ, said there were many positive aspects to purchasing the Global Cutter over other products on the market, including its proven capability in New Zealand conditions.

“The global cutter requires less snow, meaning that the pipe can remain open for more days during the season and purchasing a local product means maintenance and parts are only a phone call away. It was always part of the long term plan to move to a 22ft halfpipe.” said Lee.

Development Snowparks will be teaming up with Canadian Steve Petrie of Arena Snowparks to provide the halfpipe commissioning to Snow Park NZ upon delivery of the Global Cutter.

“Steve is a longtime skilled operator. Last time we turned up together was the Vancouver Olympics.” said Melville.

Development Snowparks have also shipped a demonstration 22ft model to Vancouver that will be used to build and shape the pipe for the World Skiing Invitational and Grenade Games as part of the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival at the end of April. Melville will be demonstrating the machine at both events.

Cardrona Alpine Resort has been the proving ground for Development Snowparks for the past ten years and

have been endorsed by the sports largest competitions, securing contracts for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Halfpipe, 2009 Burton NZ Open, 2009 Volkl NZ Freeski Open, 2009 NZ Winter Games, FIS World Championships and FIS World Cups.

Development Snowparks are specialists in exceptional snow park and halfpipe design and construction, producing world class terrain features, products and services.

For more information or to view/download video visit http://www.developmentsnowparks.com