Stormy And Blustery Weather For Coronet Peak Winter Season Opening (09-Jun-08)

CORONET PEAK, NZ, JUNE 9, 2008 - Coronet Peak’s brand new futuristic base building

CORONET PEAK, NZ, JUNE 9, 2008 - Coronet Peak’s brand new futuristic base building was unveiled to those visitors who braved winter storm conditions to reach the mountain resort.

James Coddington, CEO of parent company NZSki Limited, said hundreds of people were welcomed through the doors of the new building, despite no lifts being open.

“I love watching people’s reaction as they walk in for the first time. The reactions are amazing because it is just so different and so new.

“Gale force winds prevented the lifts from opening but it was a good opportunity for people to find their way around the new building and relax in the new environment.

Ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said the lifts would most likely open tomorrow, Sunday.

“As soon as conditions allow, we’ll have the lifts running. Following heavy rain on the Nor’wester we’ve had about 5 centimeters of fresh snow on top of lower mountain base of 15 cms and upper base of 50cms. That’s being supplemented by snowmaking which began early afternoon and will continue overnight.”