The ski resort also officially opened its new McDougall’s Chondola ski-lift, which was installed during the summer.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult, along with X-Games gold medallist and Wanaka local Jossi Wells, were on hand to officially open the new $10million lift.
The McDougall’s Chondola is the first cabin-style lift to be installed on a skifield in New Zealand and is a combination of six-seater chair and eight-seater gondola cabins on the same lift. For the fifth year running, twins Finley and Campbell Melville-Ives (10) were part of the group who queued from 5.30am to grab a seat on the first chair to go up the mountain for the new season.
Cardrona Alpine Resort general manager Bridget Legnavsky said the day was a celebration of completed projects.
"Seeing so many people so stoked to ride the new lift — it’s already worth its weight in gold."
About $15millon was spent on upgrades, including the Chondola, at the resort in the past six months. After a successful opening day the skifield was ready for the upcoming winter season, Ms Legnavsky said.
The resort opened with mostly man-made snow, but a winter storm is predicted for later this week, which could bring fresh powder to the mountain.
Martin Kos, of Canada, said he was not put off by the freezing temperatures and was "stoked" the winter season had started.
"It was great once the sun came out and it was a bit warmer on the runs.
"I think it put a few people off, which is good for those of us who made it up because you get a bit more of the hill to yourself."
Cardrona is the first skifield in the Wanaka region to open this year. Treble Cone aims to open on June 22 and the Snow Farm two days later.
