COUNTDOWN TO WINTER – Queenstown Awaits Opening Day

June 6th, 2013


Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Ross Copland can’t wait to welcome skiers and boarders to the mountain on Saturday Image:: NZSki

Mountainwatch | Caitlin Reid

Heavy snow over the past week plus tireless snow making efforts mean amazing conditions for the opening of Coronet Peak (June 8th) and The Remarkables (June 22nd). Snow lovers in Queenstown can barely contain their excitement, as well as those over the ditch in Australia, who have already booked winter wonderland getaways for this year.

Coronet Peak is gearing up for a huge opening weekend this Saturday 8 June. Snowmaking technology has been upgraded to ATASS PLUS, which means more operational snow guns, running more often and more efficiently. What does that mean? Better quality snow, and more of it! The past week has seen extremely cold temperatures setting in, enabling at least 140 of the 213 snow guns to be constantly running! Brilliant! Ross Copland of NZ Ski’s Coronet Peak can personally comment on the great quality snow: “I’ve just been on the sled up top and things are looking good, groomers are out track packing and prepping for Saturday.” So there you have it! Snow coverage is good, and the guns are still blazing ahead of Saturday’s opening. Great snow means both high speed quads (Meadows and Coronet Express) are anticipated to operate this weekend, plus all magic carpets (excluding Kaiser carpet).

What makes this year’s opening more exciting? The snow! There’s tons more of it this year, with Ross Copland expecting some off piste opportunities this Saturday, a rare feature for opening day. Coronet Peak has even more to be excited about, as they welcome the Cure Kids ‘Ticket to Hope’ day to the mountain this Saturday. This wonderful day gives each brave kid some extra special attention, and the chance to play in the snow, ride snowmobiles and have a magical day. Go Coronet! Some extra resort features this year will be the free wifi available at the resort (not from this Saturday, but soon!) and re-vamped coffee making facilities to keep everyone caffeinated and toasty warm while at the resort. Perfect!

What about The Remarkables? With 2 weeks of prep to go, The Remarkables is 3 days into their snow making process, with 72 nonstop hours laying down the white stuff. A 40cm natural base gives everyone high hopes for great snow on opening day. Snow conditions between now and then will determine what lifts will open, but Alta and Sugar Bowl Quads will be running, with maybe the Shadow Basin Quad if the snow holds up. The super fun Tube Park has moved from Alta Quad to just in front of the Base lodge, which means easier access for everyone! Plus, Lower Calypso Trail underwent summer earthworks, and is now twice as wide! Now everyone can be less concerned about collisions in this previously narrow spot. Ross Lawrence of NZ Ski’s The Remarkables has exciting news! The first few hundred riders on the Alta Quad will receive a glass of bubbles. Early to bed on the 21st everyone!

Cardrona and Treble Cone, Wanaka’s mountains, are getting revved up for their opening days too. With an incredible 60cm at Cardrona, and a decent 25cm at Treble Cone, the season openings are looking great over there too. Cardrona is excited to open on June 21st, with Treble Cone opening June 27th.

So there it is. The snow in NZ’s Queenstown resorts is the best quality its been in years. Snowmaking is buzzing running round the clock, and the groomers are out packing down the base. With more snow anticipated over the coming weekend, snow conditions are fantastic for an incredible season.