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Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt Openings Postponed

By Press Release

Thursday, 7 June 2007

Opening day at Coronet Peak Ski Area is to be postponed. The popular Queenstown ski area was targeting a Saturday June 9 opening date. 

A solid snow base at the ski area is under development following 36 hours of nonstop snowmaking by a dedicated snowmaking team and state of the art snowmaking technology.

Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie said a polar blast moving across the region was expected to deliver a sustained period of cold temperatures throughout the next 4 days.

“We expect the temperatures to remain low and for our team to be able to make snow at full capacity.  Natural snow is also forecast but it’s difficult to predict how much.

“Our plan now is to open as soon as we have secured a sustainable snow base across our main trails. 

“Our staff training is complete and all departments will be ready to open by the end of the day tomorrow and will remain in a state of readiness until opening,” said Mr McCrostie.

Opening status will be reviewed on a day-by-day basis.

Mt Hutt Ski Area will not open this Saturday, June 9.

Snowmaking is taking place at the ski area whenever conditions permit and a polar blast is expected to deliver natural snow tonight.

Ski Area manager Dave Wilson said there was currently a thin covering of snow on the ground but that more natural snow or prolonged snowmaking conditions were required in the lead up to opening.

“We have state of the art snowmaking technology and an expert and dedicated snowmaking team that will ensure snowmaking is underway whenever possible, 24/7.

“We will monitor the conditions on a daily basis and update our report daily.  Mt Hutt will be open for skiing and riding just as soon as possible,” he said.