The Queenstown ski field will open tomorrow, the first southern ski area to make the most of a well-timed snowfall late last month.
The MetService issued a weather warning yesterday, which predicted gale force winds gusting up to 130kmh - strong enough to damage trees and power lines - and snow to low levels will arrive with the front, which is expected to hit southern New Zealand tonight.
However, Mr Coddington said while the high winds had been predicted, they hopefully were likely to die out in time for the mountain to open at 9am tomorrow.
If the winds were too high, chairlifts on Coronet Peak would not be operating, but more snow would still be welcome, he said.
Tomorrow will mark the full unveiling of the ski area's $30 million upgrade, which has included a complete base building revamp and the installation of an Italian snow-making system.
