Snow Park

Two 19-year-old Finns stole the show at the final event of the world junior snowboard and freestyle championships in Wanaka yesterday.

Snow Park NZ's Junior Open has given young Southern Lakes ski and snow enthusiasts an early look at one of the venues for next month's world junior championships.

New backers behind the Snow Park are wasting no time in implementing family-based initiatives as they prepare for the school holidays next week.

The Snow Park was bathed in sunshine at the weekend while Wanaka wallowed under a cloud.

A new business partnership has been formed to manage Pisa Range freestyle facility Snow Park NZ, and the new backers also support the long-term expansion of the mountain-top resort.

Cardrona ski industry entrepreneurs John and Mary Lee announced last year they were ready to retire, but it has not happened yet.

More than 600 staff members spread across Wanaka's three main skifields are preparing for the start of the winter season next week.

Snow Farm cross-country ski field operator Mary Lee hopes to open the trails fully from next week, after opening on a part-time basis for the past two weekends.

Snow Park NZ began making snow this week in preparation for opening for business on June 26.

Skifield conditions as at 8am today.