Coronet Peak night skiing set to be improved in 2014

Night skiing at Queenstown's Coronet Peak is set to be bigger and better than ever before with double the amount of terrain under lights and new night freestyle features.

Work is underway to install approximately 80 new lights on the mountain, adding over 4km of trails and doubling the accessible terrain on Friday and Saturday nights during the 2014 season.

Along with the additional night ski trails, a new 'Park after Dark', freestyle run with boxes, rails and a giant airbag will cater to skiers and riders who like to hit the terrain parks.

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Ross Copland said he was "over the moon" that the night ski experience would be even more appealing and great value for money.

Copland stated "a large proportion of our night-time guests are locals who love the freestyle terrain on offer over at The Remarkables, so we want to make night skiing even more enjoyable for them while still maintaining our family-friendly vibe.

"Lights are going in to cover Million Dollar, Wall Street, The Hurdle and Eighth Basin, while still lighting up the main M1 trail and the beginners, area. We've modified our extensive snowmaking network to add some large Metal Halide lights which give a higher light output and more uniform coverage than we've ever had for night skiing.

"Eighth Basin will be freestylers, heaven with a series of features, while the Elephant Pit will host the freestyle airbag that will operate during night ski hours from 4pm to 9pm.

"Coronet Peak is the only ski area in New Zealand to offer night skiing. We've listened to feedback and invested in a giant 16 x 11 metre airbag which is perfect for riders to try out that new trick safely and have some fun. We've also brought the 'Park after Dark', concept to life with features catering to all ability levels.

"The increased terrain will ensure there's plenty of room for families, keen skiers and snowboarders to enjoy an amazing experience, and the extra lighting will improve visibility significantly in all areas. A big focus of the design has been around safety and ensuring we provide different routes down the mountain for beginners, families and the pros."

Also improving the night ski atmosphere and ambience will be two outdoor Italian wood-smoke pizza ovens offering $10 pizzas, music on the deck and stylish new outdoor gas heaters to keep guests warm between runs. A brand new outdoor Corona Bar, new mega video screen and DJ station will bring a high quality audio-visual experience while skiers and boarders chill out between runs.

Copland added "we want to encourage people to start their night out with us up the mountain, so we'll have food and drink specials on offer and a re-vamped dinner menu accompanied by an extensive wine list.

"It really will be an experience unlike anything else in New Zealand; it's a must-do on your visit to Queenstown."

Night skiing is available at Coronet Peak on Friday and Saturday nights from late-June to September.

27th April 2010 - SMART CARD FOR NZ SKI RESORTS