Cranes lifted two containers on to the mountain this week that will house the resort’s new electrically-powered SnowFactory unit, capable of making snow “regardless of air temperature”, Mr Anderson said.
Without chemical additives, the snow factory would be able to convert up to 96,000L into to 200cu m of snow daily, he said.
Snowmaking was expected to begin on May 1 and run around the clock through to mid-July.
As a result, Coronet Peak’s learner slopes would open as early as May 29, the earliest opening in the country, he said.
“This is an exciting milestone for the team and for Queenstown,’’ Mr Anderson said.
‘‘The SnowFactory gives us the ability to produce snow regardless of air temperature, which means we can confidently build a snow base well ahead of winter and give guests the confidence to book their ski holidays.’’
The SnowFactory was part of a $4m investment in Coronet Peak that also included learner slope improvements, snowmaking upgrades and new groomers and rental equipment. – Allied Media
