South-bound skiers have a golden opportunity this season to learn from New Zealand’s best instructor. Veteran Coronet Peak ski instructor Pete Ganderton edged out six nominees to win NZ Snowsports Instructor Alliance Instructor of the Year 2007 at the Snow Sports NZ Awards held at Basecamp Wanaka on Saturday night (21 June).

Mr Ganderton is a full time private and group instructor at Coronet Peak, teaching people of all ages to ski.  One of his most notable pupils is Michelle Greig, who Pete taught as a child.  Michelle was 2007 national ski champion and a finalist for this year’s Snow Sports NZ Emerging Talent of the Year award.

Mr Ganderton says that he’s rapt to win the award, although he was surprised when he heard his name called.

“It’s great to get paid to do something you really love, let alone win an award for it!”

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says the mountain resort staff, particularly the Snowsports school staff at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, were over the moon for Pete.

“We’re so proud of him – Pete really deserves the award for all the time, effort and passion he puts into teaching people.  We get rave reviews from people who have had lessons with Pete saying that he’s a great teacher and they can immediately see big improvements in their technique.

“We also had four other nominees from the Snowsports School at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables, Michelle Fuller, Brenda Wylie, Jim Green, and Shane Cruickshank, so we’re delighted to have so many talented, passionate and dedicated instructors in our team.”

Mr Ganderton started his skiing career at Coronet Peak and did all his training there.  He has also worked at world-renowned ski resorts in Canada, the United States, Switzerland and Austria.

He can be found on the slopes of Coronet Peak most days between 9am and 4pm.

Off the slopes, Mr Ganderton’s other passion is playing the bagpipes.  A keen piper since the age of 17, he can often be seen at events performing in the Queenstown Lakes District Pipe Band and the Maniototo Highland Pipe Band.

For more information, images or interviews please contact:

Pete Ganderton
Email: pwgandy@hotmail.com
Phone: 021 133 1231

Hamish McCrostie
Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager
Email: hamish@coronetpeak.co.nz
Phone: 0274 769 881