“The conditions on the mountains, even prior to the new snow, have been remarkable given the limited natural snow we’ve received,” said Lake Wanaka Tourism’s James Helmore.

“A combination of man-made snow and cold temperatures have allowed the resorts to keep their trails in exceptional condition and yesterday’s new snow was a perfect top up.”

There is fresh morning corduroy to be found across groomed trails on all four mountains (Cardrona, Snow Park, Snow Farm and Treble Cone).

Parks at both Cardrona and Snow Park are all riding well.  The quarter pipe at Snow Park opened last week and the Olympic spec halfpipe at Cardrona is under construction now in preparation for the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Halfpipe World Cups this month. Treble Cone has had excellent skiing on and off piste particularly in the Saddle Basin and off the Summit. The recent snow on Monday has added another 25 cm of coverage and some great fresh lines, while Cardrona has recently opened its new black diamond trail, ‘Powderkeg’, a 1.2km trail located in the Arcadia Valley.

Night Skiing at Coronet Peak resumed last this Friday, after being put on hold last week. “It’s been great to see a return to more normal conditions this week. Temperatures have come down again and we have been able to get the snow guns on” said Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie.

Snow Park NZ has 100% coverage with the ability to make snow across all of their terrain.  Their popular night skiing run is in peak condition, running three nights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The trails at Snow Farm have been sensational later in the day with the colder temperatures at night allowing for excellent cross-country skiing conditions.  And, as always, the 360-degree views are breath taking.

Over at the remarkable the Ladies Freestyle snowboard camp was a huge success with 55 riders signed up for the day. The action packed day started with transport for everyone up the mountain. After meeting their coaches and group for the day ahead, it was time to hit the freshly groomed mountain and immaculately prepared park thanks to the efforts of the Terrain Park Department.

For some it was their first time in the park, for others it was about taking their skiing or riding ability to the next level, After the morning shred session already full of newly dialed tricks, the girls headed back down the hill for a BBQ lunch laid on by Red Bull. However, it wasn’t long before each and every group was raring to go for the afternoon, which for some meant stepping up their skiing and riding by hitting some bigger lines in the park.

Megan Burke, NZSki’s Event Coordinator was thrilled with how the day went. “It was awesome to see so many girls dominating the parks. We had a record number of participants and it was great to see the girls trying new things and gaining more confidence.”

A second and last camp of the season will be taking place on 8th September. The camps cost $120 and can be booked through the Snow Centre in Queenstown or at Remarkables Guest Services. Alternatively, visit www.nzski.com/parklife for a registration form.

Over on the North Island the resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa are also attracting female riders with the launch of their ladies weeks which run each week Monday to Thursday with Friday as a contingency day. A 4 day programme by women for women allows you to improve your skiing and riding skills from a female specific perspective. Meet other ski /snowboarding women, & receive great retail discounts.

The programme consists of 4 hours per day group coaching with top female instructors. Group will consist of ladies of similar skiing/snowboarding ability. More information can be found on: http://www.mtruapehu.com/winter/ladies_weeks/

Further events happening include The World Heli Challenge, the first of many international competitions on Wanaka’s winter calendar, which kicked off this week, bringing its own breed of legendary skiers and snowboarders to the region.  Other international events include the Burton High Fives, The North Face Freeski Open and the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle World Cups (the first qualifying events for the 2014 Winter Olympics).