The first wave of new-season staff are inducted, the snow guns are firing and a thick bed of snow covers Coronet Peak, as far as the eye can see.
The ski season is just three days from opening.
More than 200 NZSki staff, both new and returning and from New Zealand and overseas, were inducted at the ski area yesterday, before snow sports fans queue to be the first on the chairlift on Saturday at 9am.
More induction days will be held in the coming weeks to take Coronet's complement to 650 staff, and to between 250 and 300 for the Remarkables, scheduled to open on June 22.
Sales and marketing general manager Craig Douglas said yesterday staff members were welcomed by NZSki and Coronet Peak chiefs and briefed on health and safety and what kind of experience NZSki wants to deliver to its guests, before they met department heads and conducted group exercises.
There had been a record 60% return rate of job seekers this year and 30% were New Zealanders. While the majority were young, more mature employees were being hired for jobs which called for greater responsibility, Mr Douglas said.
Many Wakatipu residents take advantage of the absence of visitors in these early weeks and will be out in force for the fresh powder this weekend.
About 50 children, parents and supporters were expected to enjoy the snow, some for the first time, as part of the Ticket to Hope visit by Cure Kids on Saturday.
All slopes are on course to open, apart from one or two of the learner ''magic carpets'' until more learners arrive, and except Rocky Gully, until the racers arrive.
Night skiing at Coronet Peak is due to begin on June 28, one of several events timed with the Queenstown Winter Festival.
During the Winter Games NZ, from August 15 to 25, elite skiers will compete in Slalom and Giant Slalom at Coronet Peak - their last chance before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
