Queenstown, New Zealand - Coronet Peak is open for winter and that opening was celebrated before 9am this morning (Thurs, June 15) with bubbles courtesy of Lindauer, bonhomie at the base of the lifts, groomed trails and the promise of more snow on its way.
The special opening day ambience was celebrated with a toast to the weather gods as the first four people on the Coronet Express were awarded ‘first on the chair 2006’ t-shirts.
Fittingly, those four were long time local people and confirmed Coronet Peak fans David Furniss of Arrowtown, Brendon Cameron also of Arrowtown, Jef Desbecker and Robina Bodle both of the Crown Range.
Ski area manager Duncan Smith described the day as a reunion and opportunity to stretch the legs in anticipation of a fantastic season ahead.
“It was an awesome, morning and everyone was smiling,” he said. The atmosphere was very social with everyone enjoying the snow and reuniting with old friends.”
“It’s been a great lead up to the season and fantastic to get the boards on for a run or three. The snow guns are blowing, there are heaps of trails open and the forecast is for more snow. We’re happy with that.”
The Coronet Express quad chair, Meadows double chair, the magic carpet and handle tow were all operating offering access to extensive terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and riders.
The Greengates Express six seater chairlift and Rocky Gully T-Bar are scheduled to open later this month as the snow base builds and further slopes and trails are progressively opened.
“Today was a fantastic start to what is shaping up to be a great season,” said Mr Smith.
For more info visit nzski.com/coronet