Snow dumps at New Zealand ski resorts The Remarkables and Coronet Peak

NEW Zealand ski resorts are celebrating after two days of big snowfalls a fortnight before the ski season kicks off.

fresh snow

NEW Zealand ski resorts are celebrating after several days of big snowfalls a fortnight before the ski season kicks off.

The Remarkables resort, near Queenstown on the South Island has welcomed half a metre of snow this week while nearby Coronet Peak has seen more than 30cm. The strong cold southerly has also allowed for good snow-making conditions to top up the base, with snow guns running at maximum capacity. Coronet Peak ski area manager Ross Copland said the build-up "simply couldn't be better" in the lead-up to the mountain's scheduled opening on June 8. "We've all been stoked with the two really good falls we've had already this month so the snow over the past two days, covering the mountain from top to bottom, really is the icing on the cake," he said. Temperatures in Queenstown and Wakatipu Basin plummeted to minus 9C overnight on Monday and snow continued to fall throughout the day. "Officially it's still autumn but I think everyone would agree that winter's definitely arrived with a vengeance," Mr Copland said. "Our first intake of staff are busy training and you can feel the excitement in the air." Canterbury's Mt Hutt is scheduled to open on June 15 and The Remarkables on June 22.   Coronet Peak ski resort in New Zealand on Wednesday May 29, 2013. For Escape travel story by Angela Saurine. Supplied, no credit necessary. Picture: Supplied