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Queenstown's Coronet Peak skifield is to get a $20 million makeover, making it part of a rush of investment in New Zealand's ski industry.
The latest project, approved by the board of Southern Alpine Recreation on Monday, will include a new base building, 138 extra snowmaking guns and two extra reservoirs.
The company described it as the most significant development at the skifield since its inception in 1947.
Yesterday's announcement comes after a hearing this week into the Lee family's proposed $14m gondola for the Cardrona Valley, with another gondola proposed for nearby Treble Cone.
Commissioners reserved their decision.
In June, Australasia's biggest chairlift opened at Ruapehu's Turoa skifield - part of a $19 million first stage upgrade of mountain facilities, including an improved snowmaking system and a new cafe and retail complex.
More than $60 million will be spent on the entire Mt Ruapehu upgrade project over the next few years.
Southern Alpine Recreation chief executive James Coddington told The Press that the Coronet Peak development was fantastic news for the ski industry.
Extra snowmaking would give more certainty, weather permitting, to opening dates and may even extend the season, he said.
- NZPA
