Queenstown's Coronet Peak opened this morning, heralding the beginning of the Australasian ski season.
Excitement was definitely in the mountain air this morning as up to 800 early birds began lining up, from 5am, to be the first on the lift.
First out of the gates were the Bryant family; mum Tania, and children Talleulah (10), Cougar (8) and Tristan (6), all wearing the coveted 'First on The Chair' tee shirts.
Those waiting in line celebrated the opening of the season with champagne supplied by local winery Amisfield.
According to ski area manager, Ross Copland, "The buildup to opening day has been incredible, as we finish training our front line staff while our maintenance team, snowmaking team and groomer operators make the all-important finishing touches,"
A steady stream of first day skiers and riders have been heading up to the mountain and have been welcomed by some of the best opening day conditions in years, with 40cm on the upper mountain and 30 cm on the lower mountain.
Next weekend Mt Hutt ski area in Canterbury is on target to open (Saturday 15 June).
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The Bryant Family – first on the chairs at Coronet Peak this morning.
