LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (26 June) - Cardrona Alpine Resort opened its gates to thousands of skiers and snowboarders today keen to enjoy the ideal snow and weather conditions, a superb start to the 2009 ski season.

Snow sports enthusiasts started queuing well before for the first lift at 9.00am this morning and with over a metre of snow on groomed trails and pristine snow conditions there were fresh tracks for many. The clear blue skies and a day of sunshine complimented the ideal conditions.

The first on the chair lift were rewarded with a bottle of bubbles as they launched through the official opening banner.

"There were plenty of happy people up here today," said sales and marketing manager Nadia Ellis. "Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces as everyone enjoyed a fantastic opening day. We couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2009 season."

For further information, snow reports and web cams, visit www.cardrona.com

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For further information or images, please contact:
Nadia Ellis - sales and marketing manager