A big crowd enjoyed blue skies at the Remarkables Ski Area on its last day of the season on Sunday.
However, with major off-season redevelopment work due to begin, ski area manager Ross Lawrence said there was no time to put his feet up.
About 1300 people enjoyed the Queenstown skifield's ''last hurrah''.
''It was a beautiful, blue-sky day - it was just a great way to finish the season.''
Although there was enough snow for the skifield to remain open, visitor numbers had dropped off and off-season development had to start, Mr Lawrence said.
Project manager Arrow International began setting up its operation last week, and work would begin soon on a $20 million, three-level base building to replace the existing facility.
Although lack of snow had delayed the field's opening by two weeks, patronage since then had been up about 5% on expectations, partly thanks to the new six-seater chairlift installed last summer.
''It has really opened up the terrain and views and all that the field has to offer.''
Remarkables season pass holders can use their passes at Coronet Peak until that ski area closes on Sunday.
