Mr Bache said Coronet Peak won the title for its standards of preparation and presentation of snowboard facilities throughout the season, particularly its two FIS standard half pipes. "We looked at what the resort did for snowboarders during the season, whether they talked to them, listened to them and met riders needs," he said.

"In particular we saw that Coronet Peak put a lot of hard work into the Southern Lakes regionalsnowboard championships which was very much a stand-out event. "The feedback we got from riders was that is was the best pipe all year and head and shoulders above other regional comps." Mr Chapman said Coronet Peak was "absolutely delighted" to win the award.

"It recognises the effort that nzski.com has put in over the last couple of years, the investment in facilities such as half pipes, snowmaking on those facilities, and investment in the pipe magician and staff." Mr Chapman said special recognition should be made of the hard work, dedication and committed professionalism of Coronet Peak terrain park co-ordinator Yannick Rioux and his crew.

"Also the Coronet Peak race department has been very committed to staging high quality events," he said.

Top overall snowboarder of the year was Wanaka's Julianne Bray . Queenstown rider Deni Bevin won Freestyle Freak of the Year and Queenstown store Steep & Cheap Retailer of the Year.