Two More Premier Resorts Opened In New Zealand (21-Jun-09)

New Zealand Ski, June 21, 2009 - Turoa ski area, on Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island

Turoa ski area, on Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island, opened on Saturday with over 3000 skiers/riders hitting the slopes during the weekend.

According to Marketing Manager, Mike Smith, the weather on Sunday (yesterday) was the better day of the weekend. “The upper mountain lift facilities were opened under sunny skies, while over 1000 skiers and riders enjoyed snowy conditions on the lower slopes on Saturday”.

Today at Turoa skiers and riders can enjoy top to bottom slope action with the opening of The High Noon Express – the earliest in 30 years.

At The Remarkables ski area, near Queenstown keen skier and riders emerged through the low hanging surrounding cloud to find the ski area bathed in winter sunshine.

“It was an awesome day. Just one of those beautiful days with excellent snow and everything running the way it should be. There was a laid back atmosphere with music on the deck, kids with their faces painted and people really enjoying the day. We were able to open all lifts including the shuttle for Homeward Run, which we thought was a pretty good effort for opening day.” said The Remarkables ski area manager, Ross Lawrence.

It will be another big weekend ahead for New Zealand's premier resorts with the scheduled openings of Cardrona (26 June), Whakapapa and Treble Cone (both on 27 June). The 35th anniversary Winterfestival event starts in Queenstown this weekend also. It will continue until 5 July.

Mt Hutt ski area, near Christchurch, was the first ski resort in New Zealand to open. The 30th May opening date was two weeks ahead of schedule due to cold conditions and good snow cover.