Queenstown’s premier ski area will be the first in Australasia to open, and thanks to natural snowfalls and cold temperatures is ready to welcome local and visiting skiers and boarders.

Mother Nature doubled with a world-class snowmaking system has produced an average 35cm of snow on-piste. Avid snow enthusiasts counting down the days to the much-anticipated opening will finally be able to carve their first tracks.

Ski area manager Ross Copland said he was “thrilled” to be open on time and with such great snow conditions.

“The May snowfalls and extremely cold temperatures we’ve had over the past two weeks or so mean we’ve got great coverage on-trail,” he said.

“On opening day our Coronet Express quad chair will be up and running, providing access to the main M1, Million Dollar, Wall St, Pro Am and Mid Gully trails.

“Meadows chair will also be open for early intermediate skiers and boarders to have a slide on Big Easy, Gentle Annie, as well as our Beginner Carpet, Sunkid Carpet and Magic Carpet for beginners.

“We’ve got a great crew onboard who can’t wait to welcome visitors to the mountain, we’ve got great snow conditions and more cold weather and snow in the forecast,  so all in all its shaping up to be a fantastic winter.”

All base building services will be in full swing from day one including the café, restaurant, rentals, Snowsports school, transport and guest services.

True to tradition, the first four on the Coronet Express lift will receive a ‘First on the Chair’ T-shirt with Central Otago winery Amisfield on board once again to welcome skiers and snowboarders with locally produced bubbles.

“First on the chair is very hotly contested with keen skiers getting up here extra early for bragging rights. It’s a really fun, celebratory day and there’s always a great atmosphere up the mountain,” said Mr Copland.

The Greengates Express six-seater chairlift and Rocky Gully T-bar are scheduled to open on June 21 opening up further terrain for skiers and snowboarders, along with Heidi’s Hut at the base of the T-bar.

The scheduled opening of Canterbury’s Mt Hutt has been delayed due to weather and snow conditions, while The Remarkables ski area is scheduled to open on June 21.

For up-to-date snow conditions and further information go to www.nzski.com