The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown celebrated a very successful opening weekend (June 23/24) with new snow and approximately 1200 guests.

Fifteen to 20cm of cold, dry snow fell on Saturday night, and snowmaking continued to build up a good base on key trails.

"It's been a fantastic opening weekend, it just couldn't have been better," said ski area manager Hamish McCrostie. "To open a week early with really good snow conditions is just perfect, and our guests have really enjoyed it."

Mr McCrostie said the ski area's new 89-metre Magic Carpet in the beginners area, which also doubles as a conveyor belt for people to access the base lodge building from the car park, had been a huge hit.

"Families in particular have found access from the car park to be so much easier," he said. "Lots of people are planning on bringing their kids here all season."

The Remarkables now has an average snow base of 60cm and trails open from this weekend included the beginner areas, Magic Carpet lift and handle tow, the Alta Double Chair accessing the Alta Green novice trail, and Sugar Bowl Quad chair leading to the Casterway, TNT, and Water Race trails.

Guests enjoyed live entertainment on the deck over the weekend with The Thunderbirds and Matt and Jessie.