Skifield teaser opening popular
CHESS, chilli and pizza.
That was the winning combination for four Queenstown teens who were first on the chairlift at Coronet Peak’s early open day teaser on Saturday.
Toby Duffy, Charlie Hogan, Levi Collins, and Ben Robinson (all 15), camped out at the skifield from 6.30pm on Friday to ensure they were first in line.
Why brave the elements on a night when temperatures were well below freezing?
‘‘For the glory,’’ according to Levi.
Although, he admitted, it was ‘‘pretty cold’’.
To keep themselves occupied they brought up a chess set, while chilli and pizza over a fire kept them warm.
They had a scare early in the morning when they thought another group was about to steal the top spot from them, but they grabbed their place in line just in time.
The teens were among hundreds of people who turned out for the early season teaser, prompted by cold temperatures and an early snowfall.
With clear skies and what promised to be a sunny day, ski area manager Nigel Kerr said it was the ‘‘perfect morning’’ to hit the slopes.
‘‘People are pretty amped to get up here.’’
He believed there was between 40cm and 80cm of snow, which was a ‘‘pretty good base’’.
Meanwhile, hundreds of skiers and snowboarders keen to get their first taste of snow this winter ascended above the clouds to Cardrona skifield.
As winter staff had not arrived at the skifield yet, only the learner slopes and the McDougalls Chondola were open.
Despite that, people were happy to get the opportunity to ski two weeks ahead of schedule.
Cardrona general manager Bridget Legnavsky said she was ‘‘impressed by people’s attitudes’’ as the limited number of staff were ‘‘under the pump a little bit’’.
The early winter chill has also led to the Remarkables announcing it will open two days early.
The ski area will open its gates on Thursday, rather than next Saturdy as planned.
Both Coronet Peak and Cardrona will open officially on June 16.