Winter Festival fever peaks at Coronet
 
The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival hit the slopes of Coronet Peak today, treating a skiers and snowboarders to plenty of entertainment and crazy antics.
 
An annual festival favourite, the Air New Zealand Mountain Mayhem event attracted a huge crowd to watch the competitors do battle in a variety of races including the highly popular Suitcase Race, Snow Dig and Dash for Cash.
 
Taking line honours in the hotly contested men’s division of the Suitcase Race was Matt Malcolm. Meanwhile, Kelly Zontine took out the 2012 women’s title. Twenty seven entrants slipped and slid their way down the slopes on their specially designed suitcases with Greg Hamill and Matt Malcolm awarded ‘Best Dressed’ for their Jamaican Bob Sled Team outfits.
 
Festival Director Simon Green was delighted with the turnout and the weather.
 
“It was a bluebird day up at Coronet, providing perfect winter conditions for the Mountain Mayhem.  As always there were some fantastic costumes including clowns, kangaroos, and boy scouts all fighting it out,” Mr Green said.
 
The Dash for Cash attracted tough skiers and boarders who raced their way down the main trail before running back up the mountain in the hope of claiming victory. Mark Spence took out the men’s division while Karen Sandford was the first woman home.
 
The Musical Chairs event, always a crowd pleaser, drew a field of 30 competitors. Lucy Pendergast won the open section while Natty Raymond took out the children’s title.
 
There’s plenty more festival action tonight, starting with Coronet Peak night skiing at 4pm. Then the mighty Southern Stampede takes on visiting side Dunedin Thunder at the Queenstown Ice Arena; puck drop is at 7.30pm. The highly anticipated Mountain Scene Thriller in the Chiller charity boxing event gets underway at the Queenstown Events Centre at 7.30pm, and live act Groova will keep the punters entertained at the SkyCity Queenstown Casino from 9pm.
 
Tomorrow, festivities draw to a close with Kingston Flyer Steam Powered Party, the Quiksilver Slopestyle Invitational up at The Remarkables ski area, two sensational food events at the Hilton’s Wakatipu Grill, and the spectacular Mardi Gras street party in downtown Queenstown.
 
To see the full line up of the programme and individual event details check out the complete American Express Queenstown Winter Festival calendar online at www.winterfestival.co.nz or pick up a programme at information outlets throughout the region.
 
ENDS

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