Queenstown. New Zealand - Queenstown’s Coronet Peak is to launch the 2006 Southern Lakes winter season with great skiing and riding conditions on opening day, Thursday 15 June.Ski area manager Duncan Smith said recent winter blasts and dumps of snow had delivered an average of 30cms fresh snow on the ski area and good snow making conditions.
“Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s mountain, it’s fun, exciting and is the alpine heart of Queenstown’s winter. We’re all just looking forward to getting open, onto our boards and enjoying the start of a great season.”
Early birds will be welcomed, as is traditional, by a glass of Lindauer bubbles as they board the Coronet Express quad chair for the first time this season.
“We’re looking forward to the social day that Coronet’s opening is renowned for… bubbles, catch up with old and new friends and some thigh burning early season runs.”
The Coronet Express quad chair, Meadows double chair, the magic carpet and handle tow will operate from 9.00am offering access to extensive groomed terrain and limited off-piste.
“People will find many of their favourite runs open. The M1, Upper Donkey Serenade, The Big Easy Novice Trail and beginners’ area will certainly be open. With additional snowmaking weather forecast over the next 24 hours it is expected that Million Dollar, Lower Wall Street and Shirtfront will open also. The adventurous will find limited off trail skiing and riding on Sugars Run and the Hurdle,” he said. New developments for the 2006 season at Coronet Peak include the installation of an additional 23 Italian automated Techno Alpin snowguns. The new guns increase the infrastructure to a total of 55 automated guns and 45 manual guns.
“Our snowmaking systems are pumping tons of beautiful, ‘Armani’ snow which will serve to maintain top conditions throughout the season.”
Coronet Peak’s Snow Sports School, West End Café, Rental Shop and Retail Shop will all be open along with the Coronet Brasserie which will serve breakfast from 8.30am.