Lake Wanaka area open

The 2010 winter season is officially underway in Lake Wanaka with all four fields now open for business and reporting excellent snow conditions.

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Snowfalls in May and snow making conditions throughout June have boosted the snowpack and opened up all the resorts in the Lake Wanaka area of New Zealand this winter.

At Treble Cone’s opening last week, skiers and boarders enjoyed outstanding conditions with all lifts operating. Skiers in The Saddle were treated to spectacular powder with fresh tracks well into the morning. The opening day also featured New Zealand’s on-snow launch of The AirBag, a supersized, air-filled stunt cushion that provides a soft landing for aerial skiers and snowboarders.

Snow Farm, New Zealand’s only Nordic ski area, was the first to open this season and is committed to develop the sport in the country.

The ideal weather conditions and excellent snow base produced plenty of smiles at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s opening. A new 40 metre tunnel, providing a unique access route across the ski area proved popular with skiers and boarders. Cardrona now boasts the largest number of chair lifts in the South Island with the installation of the Valley View Quad, opening up even more terrain.

The roll-out of Lake Wanaka’s ski areas continued as the freestyle action got undweray at Snow Park NZ on Saturday. New for the terrain park is a learner tow rope and designated area for beginners as well as a new transport service to take passengers to and from the mountain every day with extra frequency for night riding sessions Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. This season Snow Park NZ will launch its 22ft halpipe and quarter pipe as well as many new rails and boxes.

Lake Wanaka’s resorts will again take centre stage for many national and international events this winter. The FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Junior World Championships (19-31 August), Burton New Zealand Open (10-14 August) and The World Heli Challenge (30 July-9 August) will attract world class athletes and provide stunning action for spectators.

Posted by Brendon on June 29th, 2010 in Cardrona and Lake Wanaka and New Zealand and Snow Park and Treble Cone

Brendon @cherrypow

Hi, I'm Brendon, editor and one of the co-founders of CherryPow. When work isn't calling I'm planning the next snow adventure and writing about it.