Queenstown ski areas review closing dates

Queenstown’s Coronet Peak ski area will extend its opening dates for skiers and boarders to enjoy an extra week of skiing and riding, thanks to fantastic spring snow conditions.

Coronet Peak was originally scheduled to close this weekend but will now stay open until its final day on Sunday October 9. However snow conditions mean The Remarkables ski area will bring its closing date forward and will now shut on Sunday October 2.

NZSki CEO James Coddington said the Queenstown season had been “like no other” with variable snowfalls even from one side of the Wakatipu Basin to the other.

“Past records and our planning are all built around running only one area in the final week, because of snow conditions and an expected drop in the number of guests,” he said.

“Usually this would be The Remarkables as it traditionally has the better snow conditions at this time of the year thanks to its higher elevation, but this year Coronet Peak has consistently been blessed with plenty of great snow.

“Coronet received another 10cm of new dry snow just a few days ago and overall has much better conditions than The Remarks, so it makes sense to swap their closing dates.

“Overall it’s a great way to end the 2011 season.”

Mr Coddington said The Remarkables season pass holders would be welcome to ski at Coronet Peak for the final week of the season with lift access provided on their mypass cards.

“We know there are Remarks skiers and riders who are addicted to the terrain parks there so the team at Coronet will set up some features for the final week.”

The Remarkables Spring Carnival will be moved to Coronet Peak for the weekend of October 8 and 9 so no-one will miss out on its fun-filled events and crazy antics.

“Unfortunately, thanks to changes to New Zealand school holiday dates because of the Rugby World Cup, we’ll be closed for the majority of the holidays, so to give the kids a last chance at the snow all children and youths aged 17 years and under will ski for free for that last weekend,” said Mr Coddington.

Coronet Peak scheduled to close on October 9 and The Remarkables is scheduled to close on October 2 – subject to weather and snow conditions.
Children and youths (17 years and under) can access lifts for free at Coronet Peak on October 8 and 9.