Adult early-bird season-pass prices at Cardrona Alpine Resort have increased slightly from $585 last year to $599, while child and veteran passes are up $10 each to $145 and $270 respectively. Student passes remain at $520.
The Cardrona season is scheduled to run from June 22 to October 7 and will have a new ticketing system, giving skiers direct access to lifts.
Treble Cone's early-bird prices have also increased slightly, but a cash-back deal introduced this year offers season-pass holders credits to use on the field's rentals, cafe and child-care services. Adult season-pass prices are available until March 31 as a five-day pass - up $24 from last year to $399, and 10-day and unlimited season passes each up $20 to $669 and $1089 respectively. A family season pass is $1819, also a $20 increase. Youth passes are $165, while students under 30 can get a season pass for $399 from February 20-26.
Treble Cone's 2012 season is expected to run from June 28 to September 30.
NZSki's 2012 early-bird pass sale runs until March 15, with prices frozen at last year's levels for Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables.
A pass for the two Queenstown skifields will again cost adults $889, or $589 for youth and senior passes. A Remarkables-only pass is $499 for adults, $399 for students and $299 for youth and seniors. Customers can access all three NZSki fields for early-bird rates of $999 (adult), or $699 (youth and senior), however, NZSki season pass holders from 2010 or 2011 will get $100 credit to spend on the mountains.
Opening day for Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt is scheduled for June 9, and June 16 for the Remarkables. They are expected to close on October 7.
A new giant slalom race course for visiting professional skiers at Coronet Peak will be ready for opening day and the field will also have additional car parking.
Snow Park NZ would announce its prices later this month, marketing manager Kristy Quin said.
The early-bird season-pass rates are not affected by a new interchangeable ski pass announced this week which gives access to Wanaka's four ski areas plus another four further north, and is loaded with "snow dollars" that can be used to buy time on the snow or for off-mountain activities.
