Coronet Peak Ski Resort Queenstown NZ Opens (09-Jun-08)

CORONET PEAK, NZ, JUNE 9, 2008 - Coronet Peak ski resort in Queenstown New Zealand, has opened its slopes

CORONET PEAK, NZ, JUNE 9, 2008 - Coronet Peak ski resort in Queenstown New Zealand, has opened its slopes with thousands of local and international skiers and boarders turning up to enjoy the first turns of the season.

The opening unveiled a $30 million redevelopment including a new base building and a massive automated snowmaking system.

Coronet Peak opened with a 50cm snow base on the upper mountain, the best early season snow cover the resort has received in years.

Lifts in operation include The Coronet Express Chair, Meadows Chair, Magic Carpet, Learners Handle Tow, and due to the great numbers on opening, the six seater Greengates Express was also in operation. Further lifts are scheduled to open as snowfalls continue.

A packed surface covers the mountain with the best skiing and riding on groomed runs including the M1, Shirt Front, Million Dollar, Greengates, Walkabout, Big Easy trails and also the beginner area.

For skiers and boarders wanting to improve on jumps and bumps the Dirty Dog beginners Terrain Park is open with a selection of rails ready for action.

Sister resorts Mt Hutt and The Remarkables have also received decent snow storms with Mt. Hutt out of Christchurch set to open this Saturday June 14 with a 60cm base, while The Remarkables in Queenstown is scheduled to open on June 21 and already has a 40cm base.

Stay tuned to snow updates at www.nzski.com