Snow Park celebrated one of its biggest opening days in its 10-year history yesterday as hundreds of snowboarders and skiers jumped at the opportunity to hit the slopes after a delayed start to the season.
Snow Park had originally been scheduled to open on June 11 but was forced to push back its opening date because of a lack of snow.
The field's 29 snowguns have been working overtime in recent weeks, enabling staff to open the box run and learners' slope yesterday.
About 500 people turned out to be the first to welcome in Wanaka's 2011 ski season. Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm are still not ready to open.
Marketing manager Kristy Quin said the field's new ski school was full yesterday and all its rental equipment was snapped up. Snow Park was also hosting the New Zealand Ski Industry Federation demonstration day yesterday, which further boosted numbers.
Miss Quin said the snow had held up well enough during the day that Snow Park was able to open for night skiing.
Snowboarder Grace Caudwell described the conditions at the field yesterday as "awesome, because there's not been anything else to compare to".
