Queenstown’s playground just became a little more epic with the opening of Coronet Peak’s ski area today, with upgrades
across the mountain focused on improving access for sightseers and snowsports enthusiasts.
While the trail access was limited to sledding, the atmosphere was enthusiastic as about 200 locals and visitors turned
up at the mountain to check out the upgrades, buoyant for the season ahead.
The country’s first commercial ski field has again cemented its reputation as a pioneer in snowmaking, sporting seven
new snowmaking machines to generate its renowned powder, adding to the 214 existing snow guns that make for extensive
snow coverage from base to peak.
Meanwhile, the mountain’s pistes will also be kept in the best possible condition, thanks to a new-era, fuel-efficient
PB600 Level Red winch groomer, fitted with a V3 Snowsat which will maximise snow cover and offer a closer ‘shave’ of
terrain.
Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr says the weather was perfect, with the sun shining above the valley cloud
below, and the day was cause for celebration with happy visitors testifying to the ski area’s reputation.
“We were pleased with the turnout today. Our new Coronet Express had a constant flow of keen sightseers checking out the
magic of the mountain. We can’t wait for our skiers and snowboarders to test it out when we open for skiing,” Mr Kerr
says. “We’re looking forward to popping the bubbles for our traditional First-on-the-Chair celebrations when the
conditions are primed and ready – it’s sure to be double the party!”
In addition to the new $20 million high-speed, six-seater Coronet Express Chairlift, Coronet Peak’s upgrades for 2019
include a remodelled Guest Services, which provides an on-mountain Snow Centre complete with tailored customer service
points and new lockers. The ski area’s commitment to sustainability is also evident with a rubbish waste management
upgrade, complete with a new glass crusher that reduces the mountain’s waste stream by 40 per cent. Meanwhile, getting
to the mountain has never been easier thanks to the addition of a 57-seated coach to the Coronet Peak fleet.
Amid the hype of opening day was a seed of excitement for the upcoming Winter Games, with Coronet Peak playing a vital
role as the home of the competition’s training.
“We are very happy to see the addition of a Super Giant Slalom race to the Games’ programme this year, which we’re
certain will be a real showpiece to support the development of our local rising star and alpine ski racer, 17-year-old
Alice Robinson, and other keen Kiwis in her wake,” Kerr says.
“Alice claimed New Zealand’s first Alpine Ski Racing World Cup medal in 17-years just three months ago, finishing with a
silver medal in Giant Slalom at the FIS Alpine World Cup Finals. We are stoked to call her one of our own and excited to
see where she goes next.”