Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s first commercial ski field and the pioneer of skiing in Aotearoa, has officially opened today.

It joins a raft of other ski fields that opened recently, including The Remarkables, also in Queenstown, marking the winter season well and truly begun.

Ski Area Manager Nigel Kerr says it’s great to open.

“Let the 100 days of fun begin!” he says, referring to the three-month ski season, made up of usually 107 days.

“Two have gone, so if you missed it, you better hurry up.”

He says there’s been a good crowd today, hitting 1800 around lunch time, and plenty of them learning.

“Our reconfigured learner terrain and new conveyor provide excellent progression, so it’s a great time to try.”

Although it is the official first day of the season, Coronet Peak had a pre-season teaser open day a fortnight ago.

Nigel says staff are enjoying the positive energy from guests.

“For many of them opening day is a big experience. But, they are taking ownership of their roles. It’s great.”

It’s good practice too, as Coronet Peak is expected to host many more guests tomorrow [Sunday, June 17] to celebrate Local’s Day.

Local’s Day is a first for Coronet Peak and The Remarkables that are offering lift passes at only $20 the entire day, a saying of almost $100 per person. A full price, pay-as-you-go single day adult pass is usually $119. All proceeds will be divided up and shared among local schools in Queenstown, of which there are 5 primary schools and one high school.

“This our community,” says Nigel, “and we look forward to supporting it more. Tomorrow it’s by raising funds.”

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables also provide heavily discounted season passes for all Queenstown and Arrowtown school students, as well as providing instruction facilitating the inclusion snowsports as part of the curriculum for young Queenstowners.

When it comes to core product, as in skiing and boarding, there’s plenty to celebrate too, including:
1. The addition of Wednesday night skiing to Friday/Saturdays all season long
2. The development of sightseeing.
a. A fully-interactive, immersive ice castle from Utah-based Ice Castles will open in July. It’ll be the first in New Zealand.
b. A new sightseeing pass and viewing platform allowing sightseers to ride the chairlift up and down to get those awesome views and snow immersion without having to ski/board.
3. The new learner terrain, reconfigured to provide a more gradual progression and more convenient experience.
4. Four new night ski parties announced, hosted by King Kapisi, Che Fu and friends.
5. Continued investment in snowmaking to ensure snow making adds to heaven-sent snow when needed.
6. New degustation dinners at the very special on-mountain Heidi’s Hut, for that European aprés experience.
7. Plus more – view here.
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