People descended on both Coronet Peak and Cardrona yesterday as the two fields opened — the first commercial fields to open in New Zealand — and nobody was keener than Noelani Ritchie.
The 16-year-old may have skied before but it was a whole new experience for her yesterday.
She arrived at the mountain at 8pm on Wednesday, camping out to ensure she would be the one to lead the charge up the slopes.
"I spent all night ... no-one was in the line; I was the first one."
Noelani was born deaf but underwent ear surgery last month which opened up her world to sounds.
So early yesterday she could hear herself skiing, and soak up the excitement around her, in a whole new way.
"[After my] operation ... I felt like I didn’t want to go skiing, I was worried, [I] felt sick, but finally I feel so good — it’s changed my life," she said
"I can hear people talking, I can hear the ski workers."
To mark the occasion, she planted a handmade blue flag, representing the deaf community, at the base of Coronet Express.
Ski area manager Nigel Kerr, who said the race for ‘First on Chair’ was competitive this year with almost a few "fisticuffs" on the ski ramp, said it was a great crowd for opening day.
While the week leading up to opening day was challenging given the sheer amount of snow Coronet received over the weekend, Mr Kerr was pleased with how operations, snow patrol and external contractors banded together to clear roads, manage avalanche risk, and get the mountain ready for everyone.
Nigel Hirst, who had been skiing Coronet Peak for the past 40 years, said the timing of last week’s snowstorm was perfect.
"Two weeks ago, I was thinking we may not even get there, it was pretty bare.
"But to have this ... it’s as good as it gets, if not better."
Over at Cardrona, about 30 skiers were eagerly awaiting the first lift about 8.30am yesterday.
The Donovan family, from Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, hit the snow early. Clint Donovan said the day was particularly significant for them.
"It’s the kids’ first time on the snow today, so we’re excited and rapt, can’t wait to get into it. It was their first time seeing snow yesterday."
Mother Telena said a week ago they were not sure if they would see snow on their trip.
Cardrona and Treble Cone general manager of experience Laura Hedley said they were stoked about today’s McDougall opening.
"We’re super stoked to have McDougall’s open up. We had a great snowfall and the team have done a great job to push the snow around," Ms Hedley said.
The recent storm had brought 91cm of snow to the base area.
At noon, Ms Hedley estimated at least 500-600 people were on the mountain.
She acknowledged that, despite the limitations to full mountain terrain, there was something for everyone.
The Crown Range opened yesterday just after 6.30am.
Meanwhile, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said yesterday’s announcement that pre-departure testing would be scrapped from Tuesday was perfect timing.
"It’s just another hassle out of the road that people don’t need to address when coming here for a wonderful ski holiday."
Mr Boult said it would also remove some financial barriers for international travellers.
— Additional reporting Tracey Roxburgh
