However, the Remarkables Ski Area was holding out for more snow before opening its 2008 season.
Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said 5cm of snow fell yesterday morning and there were 300 staff members on deck.
"We're very happy. There's been good feedback on the snow conditions and a fantastic response to the base building.
"We're back in action and looking forward to a busy weekend, with the official opening of the new base building on Saturday then Party at the Peak on Sunday," Mr McCrostie said.
Rangiora mother Nicole Newall said it was her family's first visit to Coronet Peak and Queenstown.
Sons Charlie (2) and Cooper (8) were having fun on their sled.
"It's beautiful up here. We're loving it," Mrs Newall said.
The Remarkables staff are patiently waiting for more snow.
The field benefited from snow flurries for about two hours mid-morning yesterday, which delivered 8cm of new snow.
Ski area manager Ross Lawrence said: "We still need more snow before we look at being operational and I can't put a timeframe on that.
"There's another 20-30cm needed to get a good base to operate on."
