NZsnowboard.com

The 2007 winter season at Coronet Peak Ski Area comes to a close this week on Sunday 30 September, 112 days after opening on 11 June.

Hamish McCrostie, Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager, says that he's thoroughly enjoyed his first season managing Coronet following 13 years as Ski Area Manager of The Remarkables.  "It's been like a home-coming really, as I grew up on The Peak."

"Coronet Peak is a premier mountain resort and it's been a huge thrill to take on the challenges of leading it through a busy and exciting but challenging winter season. I'd really like to thank the staff and local people for their support this year. Our pre-season infrastructural developments meant more snowmaking, a doubling of the beginners area and a new snow groomer proved invaluable as we hosted big numbers of beginners and often relied on our unparalleled snowmaking facilities."

Mr McCrostie says his personal highlight was the 60th anniversary of Coronet Peak celebrations which allowed time to focus on the fun and adventure that skiing and Coronet Peak has brought to so many people.

"It was very special to bring those who'd been here in 1947 back to Coronet Peak for a birthday celebration. It allowed us to remember the pioneering spirit that started the ski area and to focus on our core values of fun and community."

As a "thank you" to Coronet Peak supporters, the ski area is offering specially priced day passes for the final fling this Saturday and Sunday. Adult day passes will be offered at just $60 with Youth (aged 17 and under) passes for $30.

Hamish says that while he'll be commemorating the end of last day with a well-earned drink, he's already looking ahead to next year.

"We are already well down the track on the planning for the summer Mountain Biking operation and once we wrap up we'll be finalising the areas of focus for next year."

The Queenstown ski season continues at The Remarkables Ski Area where good spring skiing conditions prevail.  The tentative closing date for The Remarkables is 7 October.

For further information please visit www.nzski.com or contact:
Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie on 0274 769 881
Southern Alpine Limited CEO James Coddington on 027 229-8958; or Media liaison Alexa Forbes, alexa@southernpr.co.nz, 03 441 1117, or 0274 717 255.