Following a difficult season and fallout over the increase in 2011 season pass prices, NZSki in October announced it would freeze 2012 season passes prices at last year's levels.
Queenstown early bird passes remain at 2011 prices: adult, $889; youth (7 to 17 years) and senior (65 to 74) both $589.
It also announced it would reward returning season pass-holders with MyPass credit and allow those willing to commit to a pass at early bird prices to "drip-feed" payments over eight months.
NZSki chief executive James Coddington this week said he could not release the figures, but they "certainly exceeded our expectations".
"We have had a very positive response from our sale and the people are not just returning pass-holders - it's new pass-holders as well."
Mr Coddington said it boded well for sales of early bird passes when they became available to residents from February 16 until mid-March.
"We are looking forward to seeing what the numbers are like and if it reflects what the early birds were in October, it should be a positive response."
Mr Coddington said summer at Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables had been very busy, with maintenance and development work going well.
A new car and bus parking area was being constructed at Coronet Peak, along with the redevelopment of the Rocky Gully Giant Slalom course.
The Rocky Gully redevelopment also includes buying three or four new snow machines. Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie expects all the work to be completed by mid-April.
During that time, the Coronet Peak mountain bike cross-country trail will be closed for six to eight weeks.
The Remarkables ski area is getting a new "direct-to-lift" access system for Shadow Basin. It will also stock more rental gear - including more high-performance skis - 3km of the access road will be replaced and the 25-year-old Shadow Basin chairlift haul rope will be replaced.
