Thousands of snow junkies enjoyed almost perfect conditions on the opening day of the ski season at Coronet Peak in Queenstown yesterday.
Around 3000 skiers and snowboarders made the most of sunny weather and plenty of powder after a week of consistent snowfall in the Mt Cook region.
Area manager Hamish McCrostie said: "Everyone was really keen to get out on the mountain, there was definitely a lot of pent-up enthusiasm."
There were long queues at the skifield's new Meadows Express Chairlift, which only opened on Friday. Artificial snowmakers - the largest in the southern hemisphere - helped lay a base of 55cm at the top and 25cm at the base of Coronet Peak.
The opening day was the first time new technology was used for ski passes.
