An exceptional opening is on the cards for Queenstown’s Coronet Peak this Saturday, June 6 following favourable cold weather and consistent snowfalls.

Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says the conditions are looking like one of the best openings in many years and more snow is in the forecast.

“We have a great upper mountain average snow base of 80cm and lower mountain average of 50cm and we’re expecting more snow later in the week. The mountain is covered, our crew are all on board and we’re absolutely ready to get into the 09 winter season.”

Refining and improving nature’s contribution, Coronet Peak ’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system is more efficient this year with the addition of a new water reservoir and new pumps.

“We have expanded our snowmaking capacity this year and also have two new groomers joining our modern fleet perfecting the slopes. Skiers and boarders can expect excellent midwinter conditions and beautifully groomed slopes from the moment we pop the first Lindauer corks at 9am on Saturday.”

Families will love the upgraded chil dr en’s area which caters for babies as young as three months. A new children’s Sun Kid conveyor lift just outside the crèche door means very young skiers can play in the snow and stretch their ski legs. Children up to age five can enjoy specially designed programs in the Skiwiland Early Learning Centre before graduating to further all day supervised programs offering skills training and fun for youths up to age 17.

People heading to Coronet Peak this season can also enjoy affordable transport to/from the mountain. Return transport from the Queenstown Snow Centre and selected Queenstown accommodation providers to the base building will be available for only $10 per person per day.

For more information, visit nzski.com.