The 2010 winter season is officially underway in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand with all four fields now open for business and reporting excellent snow conditions.

Good snowfalls in May and optimum snow making conditions throughout June have provided the mountains across the region with a good base and quality snow coverage for the start of the season.

At Treble Cone’s opening last week, skiers and boarders enjoyed outstanding conditions with all lifts operating. Skiers in The Saddle were treated to spectacular powder with fresh tracks well into the morning. The opening day also featured New Zealand’s on-snow launch of The AirBag, a supersized, air-filled stunt cushion that provides a soft landing for aerial skiers and snowboarders.

The ideal weather conditions and excellent snow base produced plenty of smiles at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s opening. A new 40 metre tunnel, providing a unique access route across the ski area proved popular with skiers and boarders. Cardrona now boasts the largest number of chair lifts in the South Island with the installation of the Valley View Quad, opening up even more terrain.

The roll-out of Lake Wanaka’s ski areas continued as the freestyle action got undweray at Snow Park NZ on Saturday. New for the terrain park is a learner tow rope and designated area for beginners as well as a new transport service to take passengers to and from the mountain every day with extra frequency for night riding sessions Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. This season Snow Park NZ will launch its 22ft halpipe and quarter pipe as well as many new rails and boxes.

James Helmore, general manager of Lake Wanaka Tourism said it was great to get the snow sports action underway for the season, “We are thrilled to welcome skiers and boarders from around the globe to enjoy the world class facilities and unique alpine town. We are looking forward to another fantastic season,” he said.

Lake Wanaka’s resorts will again take centre stage for many national and international events this winter. The FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Junior World Championships (19-31 August), Burton New Zealand Open (10-14 August) and The World Heli Challenge (30 July-9 August) will attract world class athletes and provide stunning action for spectators.

For more information visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz