Queenstown, NZ (October 6th, 2000).
Queenstown’s Coronet Peak ski area will close for the 2000 season this Sunday (October 8) after an excellent winter.

The season started early with good snow on June 4 and the ski area was the focus of worldwide media attention on June 5 when New Zealand’s Olympic Torch relay started from the top of the mountain.

“We’ve had a great season at Coronet Peak with some vintage weeks, and it’s ended with some of the best spring skiing conditions we’ve had for a number of years,” said ski area manager Andy Chapman.

However keen skiers and snowboarders can still head for Queenstown’s The Remarkables ski area to enjoy superb conditions. The ski area has received 50cm of new snow in the past four days and manager Hamish McCrostie said conditions were just like the middle of August.

“We’ve got cold, dry winter snow and everything’s open including our terrain park, tubing park, Sugar Bowl and Shadow Basin, Homeward Bound and the chutes,” he said.

The Remarkables will remain open until Labour weekend.

To celebrate the end of Coronet Peak’s season and great conditions at The Remarkables, nzski.com is offering a special two-for-one deal in Queenstown this weekend. Anyone buying a lift ticket at either ski area this Saturday or Sunday only will receive another lift ticket free, and season pass holders can bring a friend for half price.

In Canterbury, Mt Hutt ski area will also stay open until Labour weekend with a 2m base and 100% cover.

The ski area received a 5cm top up of new snow yesterday and has excellent spring skiing and riding conditions with all lifts, the terrain park and half pipe open.

Ends.