Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr said the "snow factory", a South Island first, would produce snow regardless of air temperature.
Winter would officially begin in the resort on May 30, 2026, resulting in an early opening for Coronet, and a timely boost to the local economy.
The high-tech snowmaking system could make up to 200cum of snow a day but, unlike traditional snowguns that need freezing temperatures, the technology would use a closed circuit to freeze water and convert it into snow, without chemical additives.
Mr Kerr said the snow factory, permitted under NZSki’s concession with Department of Conservation, would enable lower learner slopes to open to beginner skiers and snowboarders, a dedicated "snow play area", to include tubing, and a dedicated learner slope for children.
Scheduled for completion over summer, it was being constructed between the Magic Carpet area and the Kaiser Carpet.
The $2m snow factory was part of a total $4m capital works programme for Coronet next year.
Mr Kerr said being able to open earlier for winter brought more confidence in the season in general.
"Having guaranteed snow so early in the season sends a strong message that Queenstown is ready to welcome our winter visitors.
"Plus, moving the start ahead of our normal June opening date will also have a huge positive impact on our staff and other businesses in town."
Last month, NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson told members the 2025 season would go down as a successful one despite the difficult economic environment and "the challenging weather", which included the second-driest July on record going back to 1881.
Despite the lower-than-usual snowfall, he said NZSki enjoyed good visitor growth from June till September.
Overall, skier visits were up 7% on the previous year, from 686,000 to 733,000, in large part thanks to Australian visitors to Queenstown increasing by 31% year-on-year , to 176,000.
