New director Lisa Buckingham and marketing manager Katy Medlock are deep into planning this year's schedule. Although Mrs Buckingham is the only full-time festival staff member, she said the group working with her had helped her ease into the demanding role.
By June, the number employed on the Queenstown Winter Festival committee will be 10 to 12 and a further 100 volunteers will be needed to manage the events.
The former Bluff Oyster festival events manager said she had been looking for a role that would excite and challenge her and was pleased she could put her mark on Queenstown's 39-year-old prized event.
''It's a dream role. It is such an iconic festival for Queenstown and for New Zealand, so to fill that role is special really.''
What she looked forward to most this winter was seeing the enjoyment of visitors and locals and knowing her committee had made it come together. However, she was aware there was plenty of work before then.
The festival this year had established a few new events and a few adaptations, she said, but all would be revealed in time.
''We like to mix up a few things.
''Some of the favourites you cannot mess with - some of Queenstown's favourites that people enjoy have to stay the same.''
In particular, the opening night fireworks display, inner city ice rink and brutal Thriller in the Chiller evening would remain, the latter being organised and run by former director Simon Green.
''Every now and then I give him a ring.''
There was also the reintroduction of the once-popular annual Winter Festival Ball and feedback Mrs Buckingham had received indicated all 250 tickets were likely to sell out.
''From the level of interest we're already been getting, it will sell out.''
The winter festival has traditionally attracted a young audience to town to party, but Mrs Buckingham wants to encourage all ages to get involved and has made some changes to make that happen.
''It [winter festival] does attract a really wide variety and we're really trying to make it known there is something for all demographics.''
She could not confirm whether or not Skyline's Murder Mystery evening would return this year. Miss Medlock has been on the job one month and said she was thriving on what was proving to be a fast-paced job.
''This is definitely my kind of gig, that's for sure. I enjoy the high pace.
''It's been a bit of a baptism by fire, but I wouldn't have it any other way.''
Miss Medlock formerly worked in public relations for Tourism New Zealand in both Auckland and London and said she had enjoyed every minute in Queenstown so far.
