The 2000 New Zealand season kicked off in fine form today at Coronet Peak, Queenstown. The fresh snow and cold conditions which came through this week have laid the perfect base for an early season opening. The snowmaking crews have also had great conditions to add to the natural snow , temperatures dropped to minus seven degrees overnight on Saturday and snowmaking has continued throughout the day today.

Resort manager Duncan Smith saying "We are very happy with the day especially given that it has been many years since Coronet Peak has been the first Kiwi resort to open"
Mount Hutt, further south in Canterbury normally takes the first to open prize. They will be opening on Monday.

"We are very happy with the day especially given that it has been many years since Coronet Peak has been the first Kiwi resort to open"

Excited locals made their annual pilgrimage to claim the title of first tracks of the season. Free Champagne at the bottom of the quad and fresh snow awaiting at the top..what more could you ask for! Although the day was overcast and visibilty not the best it was hard for most people to contain their enthusiasim. The main M1 trail perfectly groomed and for those ready to jump straight into it the off piste on the upper mountain was pretty damn fine.

Always on the scene Boarder Zone witnessed not only the first runs of the season but the first casualty as well. The lesson to be learnt is that it's early days yet and we have a long winter ahead of us so take it easy out there.

— Chris Vile, BoarderZone.com ready to rip!!!

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