Thousands of eager snow bunnies flocked to ski areas in the Queenstown Lakes district yesterday to make the most of this week’s spring snowfall in picture-perfect conditions.
Carmageddon struck on the State Highway and Frankton Rd in Queenstown in the morning as commuters tried to get to work and skiers and snowboarders slowly made their way to the Remarkables, which was closed on Thursday due to heavy snowfall in the resort.
Traffic was backed up from the BP roundabout about 6km to Ladies Mile for more than an hour from 8am, while traffic heading east along Frankton Rd was backed up for about 4km.
Traffic on other streets, including McBride St, parallel to State Highway 6, was also at a standstill.
About 55cm of snow fell at the skifield to Thursday night, giving it a snow base of between 80cm and 120cm.
While, for once, finding a car park in the town centre was a simple exercise, by about 10am the top four car parks at the Remarkables were full, and the fifth park, about 2.5km from the base building,was in use.
That situation was mirrored at Coronet Peak, where there was about 45cm of new snow.
Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said the staff were well trained in anticipation of the bumper day, but did not anticipate the volume of single-occupant vehicles.
"That really does impact on the car-parking capacity.
"We’ve really got to think seriously about ride share and getting into groups ... so everyone can get up here."
Mr Lawrence said he was not aware of any delays on the mountain yesterday and some shuttle bus schedule changes had enabled everyone to make the most of the spring snow in a timely manner.
"I wondered whether part of Queenstown might have closed down because everyone from town was up here.
"They’ve been out in droves and everyone is just having a great time — lots of happy people, which is great.
"I haven’t heard one complaint. I’ve only seen yahoos and people having a good time."
