Lake Wanaka ski fields all open for 2008 season

Lake Wanaka’s 2008 ski season is officially underway with all four fields open for business.

Good snowfalls and optimum snow making conditions throughout last week have provided the mountains a good top up of snow for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy their first turns for the season.

Cardrona Alpine Resort opened on Friday welcoming eager snow sports enthusiasts to clip on their skis and boards to start the 2008 season and experience the new high speed detachable quad chairlift in the Captain's Basin.

Snow Park NZ opened yesterday with a traditional Kiwi welcome for skiers and boarders, offering a pie and a stubby as they board the lift for their first ride up the mountain. With good snow coverage across the terrain park the freestyle action was well underway. Snow Park NZ is looking forward to starting their night skiing and riding sessions this week.

Snow Farm opened for the cross-country skiers with many kilometres of trails. The Snow Farm will continue its successful development of Biathlon this year, with work undertaken to install a range accessed from the trail system.

The roll-out of Lake Wanaka’s ski areas continues with Treble Cone opening tomorrow (Monday). The recent snowfalls will provide skiers and boarders great on-piste conditions at Treble Cone, with all visitors and staff encouraged to car pool to support their commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

John Alldred, CEO of Lake Wanaka Tourism said there was a positive buzz of excitement in town, “The ski season has started and it is great to see snow enthusiasts coming from around the globe to experience our four world class resorts and enjoy the unique alpine town,” he said.

The new developments for Lake Wanaka’s four ski areas include: a high speed quad char lift, night skiing and riding, an Olympic standard half pipe, advanced and increased snow making capabilities and an enhanced beginners’ terrain park.

For further information, visit www.skilakewanaka.com.