Coronet Peak extends season by a week

Coronet Peak has announced it will extend its season by a week thanks to plenty of springtime snowfall and predictions more is on the way.

NZSki originally planned to close the mountain this Sunday, but that has been pushed back until next Sunday (October 6).

But it was an uphill battle at the start of the season. Unusually dry conditions in July have resulted in the second-lowest snowfall season in 20 years.

Coronet Peak has had about 84cm of snow, compared with 2m to 3m in a typical season.

NZSki boss Paul Anderson said healthy dumps of snow recently have provided great conditions to keep the slopes open for a bonus week.

''The conditions are fantastic ... It's as good as spring skiing gets,'' Mr Anderson said.

From Tuesday, Coronet Peak opening times will be 10am to 5pm.

The Remarkables is due to close on Sunday, October 13.