It's dumping snow in downtown Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand, perfectly timed with the opening of The Remarkables ski area tomorrow Saturday, June 23.
More than 20 centimetres of new snow has fallen on The Remarkables and sister resort Coronet Peak in Queenstown over the past 24 hours. Snow is still falling and the polar blast is forecast to continue for the next few days.
CEO of the ski areas James Coddington says Queenstown has become a winter wonderland and the natural snow was welcomed by all.
"This is the first major dump of the season so spirits are running pretty high. Coronet Peak opened on June 11 and skiers and riders have been enjoying excellent man made snow across the main trails and in the terrain park, but this morning was for the powderhounds! The Remarkables is to open tomorrow exactly on schedule."
"Ski area conditions are improving by the hour as snow continues to fall. There's a wonderful atmosphere around the town…everyone's amped."
The Remarkables Ski Area Manager Ross Lawrence is already in celebration mode as he prepares to officially open The Remarkables tomorrow.
"The new season will be officially launched at The Remarkables tomorrow with glasses of bubbly served to the first skiers and boarders on the mountain. Alta chair and Sugar Bowl chair will open first along with the beginners' area and Magic Carpet.
"Skiing and riding will be accessible via the main trails off the two chairlifts and the beginners' area, plus the Up & Go terrain park. The FruJu beginner park and the Shadow Basin quad chair will open when conditions allow. With snowfalls continuing it will not be long before the ski areas legendary backcountry runs and chutes can be opened, so far we have a base of 50cm." said Lawrence.
Resort facilities open from this weekend include the café, ski and snowboard school, equipment rental & the Sno Shop. Accessing The Remarkables is easy with shuttle transport available from the car park at The Remarkables turn-off (off SH6) to the base lodge, for those driving from Queenstown to the base lodge, parking is also available up at the mountain.
Stay tuned on skiing Queenstown, New Zealand at www.nzski.com
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Lizzie Doyle
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Email: lizzie.doyle@pnc.com.au
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