More snow wanted as Queenstown, Wānaka ski fields open for limited first laps

The snow base is not as good as they would like it, but the teams at three southern ski fields are preparing for limited openings this week.

Coronet Peak will open some of its facilities from tomorrow (Friday, June 16), while a few peaks over at Cardrona, skiers and boarders can hit some slopes from Saturday.

At The Remarkables, no chair lifts will be taking people up the slopes, but the magic carpets will be moving from Saturday, with pricing that reflects the learning slopes.

NZSki general manager Paul Anderson says his teams are "furiously making snow", but the forecast is hopeful for a wintry blast to help with the job next week.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Coronet Peak says its Meadows Express lift and magic carpets will be open for skiers and snowboarders, but it cautions the snow base is thin and there are multiple natural hazards on trail.

Coronet Peak says its lifts, ski patrol, and road crews are trained and ready for the winter season, now all they need is a bit more snow (Image/Facebook/Coronet Peak).

While its Peak Gondola will be open to take users to the top of the mountain, there is no skiing off the Coronet Express yet.

"Once we build up the snow base, get set for another big season ahead with lots of exciting events and activities," it says.

The resort's sledding lane will also be open.

Meanwhile, in a written statement today, Cardrona says its current plan is to have open for skiing and snowboarding on Saturday its learner's slope and McDougal’s lift, along with a small rail set up in the mix.

"The snow base is not quite as substantial as we would have loved, but there is certainly enough for those first of the season laps, refamiliarisation with the mountain, and reconnection with mountain friends and family."

Cardrona and Treble Cone general manager Laure Hedley says, "The team have been training all week and working hard to get the place ready to go for opening on Saturday. We can't wait to have the lifts spinning again and to welcome everyone back to the maunga for winter 2023." 

All resorts will have food and beverage outlets open.

Opening day at Treble Cone is still more than a week away, advertised at this stage as being Saturday, June 24.

Main image (Supplied/Cardrona/Jake Rudd): Cardona Alpine Resort, Thursday, June 15 - the ski field's learners slope and McDougal's lift will be open for its first day of the season on Saturday.