Queenstown wakes to first major snowfall of 2021

Queenstown has been transformed into a winter wonderland this morning, with the first major snowfall blanketing the mountains surrounding the South Island town.

The snowfall provides a glimpse of the winter season to come and Destination Queenstown interim Chief Executive Ann Lockhart says local and Australian snow fans should start getting ready to visit Queenstown for their snow adventures and ski holidays.

In anticipation of opening next month, the Southern Lakes ski areas are in their final stages of preparations. Cardrona Alpine Resort is scheduled to open on 12th June, followed by Coronet Peak on 19th June, while The Remarkables and Treble Cone are both set to open on 26th June.

NZSki Chief Executive, Paul Anderson “we’ve been teased by a few dustings of snow over the past month and this winter blast has dumped 10cm of snow at Coronet Peak and 18cm at The Remarkables overnight with more to come.

“Combined with our snowmaking network cranking in these cold conditions, we’re getting set for a great start to the season.”

Bridget Legnavsky, General Manager Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area, shared this sentiment, adding “the first snow in May is always exciting for us. As well as having snow under our feet, the ground is cooling so we can look to start snowmaking when conditions allow. It’s a good sign of things to come.”

Lockhart concluded “Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading four-season resort, the skiing is world-class and our region offers an unrivalled range of winter experiences on and off the ski fields. Our businesses and ski areas are looking forward to welcoming Kiwis and Australians for this magical season, and seeing them hitting the slopes and immersing themselves in everything our spectacular region has to offer.”

Scheduled ski field opening dates:

• Cardrona - 12th June

• Coronet Peak - 19th June

• The Remarkables - 26th June

• Treble Cone - 26th June

For more information on Queenstown’s incredible winter offering see www.queenstownnz.co.nz

Images: Coronet Peak (top) and The Remarkables (below) as of this morning, 18th May 2021. Credit: Coronet Peak.