With snow, sleet, clouds, rain and the occasional patch of blue sky, people were kept guessing as to what conditions they might encounter.
Lake Wanaka Tourism chief executive John Alldred said there was a positive buzz of excitement in town.
The Snow Park gave away free pies and beers to celebrate opening day on Saturday, with about 200 people turning up to enjoy the day.
On Friday night, hundreds had attended the Snow Park's invitation-only function to celebrate the beginning of Wanaka's first night-skiing facilities, which open to the public at the Snow Park tomorrow.
At Cardrona Alpine Ski Resort, the new $5.9 million Captains Express chair lift was finally in motion, after having to close down shortly after starting up on opening day.
The Whitestar Express remained closed but was expected to open today or tomorrow after some trail preparation has been completed.
All beginners trails were open and the majority of intermediate and advanced trails were open.
At the Snow Farm, Prime Minister Helen Clark was in residence on Friday night and among the skiers enjoying the cross-country trails on Saturday.
Mackenzie Country-based sled dog tourers Diane and Ray Holiday had their husky teams in action at the Snow Farm on Saturday and will be returning to take tours and train for races from July 10.
A biathlon range has also been installed at the Snow Farm this year and was accessed from the trail system.
The Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground, which operates in an area closed to the public on the Pisa Range, is also in full swing, with Japanese manufacturer Toyota testing products in cold temperatures.
Treble Cone's scheduled opening today has been delayed until further notice.
A media advisory yesterday said while there had been good snow-making progress over the weekend, more natural snowfall was required to open the trails.
More snow showers are forecast this week.
Treble Cone has 20cm snow base at 1760m and received 5cm in the 24 hours to 11am yesterday.
The Cardrona skifield reported a snow base of 40cm on the upper mountain and 25cm on the lower mountain.
With plummeting temperatures over the weekend, all snow fields were able to make snow to supplement the natural snowfall.
All snowfields require motorists to carry chains on the skifield access roads and fit them where required.
