Queenstown, New Zealand (Tuesday, June 20, 2006) - As more New Zealand ski and snowboard areas open for the season, many are reporting their best start in a decade. A series of cold southerly storms laden with snow have passed through ski areas over the past six weeks contributing to strong early-season conditions for skiers and riders.

Mt. Ruapehu opened its beginner's area on Friday, and the ski area is looking to progressively open other facilities over the next few days. However opening efforts have been pleasantly hampered by more snow falls. A storm passed through yesterday but has cleared today. The Happy Valley area of Whakapapa is open – once staff dig their way to the lift areas!

Whakapapa advises there is a 90 cm base on the upper part of the mountain and Turoa ski area reports 120cm.

The South Island's Mt. Hutt ski area is reporting the best skiing and riding conditions in June for a decade. There is top to bottom skiing available in the basin, including the lower Triple Chair area. The average base is 75 cm.

Coronet Peak opened last Thursday. According to ski area manager, Duncan Smith, "It's been a great lead up to the season and fantastic to get the boards on for a run or three. The snow guns are blowing, there are heaps of trails open and the forecast is for more snow. We're happy with that."

Cardrona ski area, near Wanaka is on target to open this Friday. "The mountain is looking amazing, from top to bottom, with over a meter on the high groomed trails and 30 cm at the bottom of the Whitestar," says marketing manager, Bruce McGechan. "Plus if you're planning to explore off-trail there are pockets of powder about 1.5 metres deep with the natural snow quality being superb."

At Queenstown, the Remarkables ski area is set to open on Saturday. "The atmosphere over the last few days of staff training has been superb. Everyone is excited about opening and getting on their skis or boards to enjoy the conditions," said Hamish McCrostie, The Remarkables ski area manager.

Treble Cone is expecting their first runs next Tuesday.

The strong start to the season is great news for the organizers of the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, as the event is poised to start this Friday.