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ICONIC QUEENSTOWN SKI AREA LAUNCHES NEW GONDOLA

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December, 2019

Wind and rain could not stop hardy sightseers and mountain bikers from
making the most of opening day for Coronet Peaks first summer season
in four years this month.

Eight gondola cabins have been attached to the Queenstown ski areas
Coronet Express chairlift, allowing owner NZSki to open up the
mountains views, terrain and facilities to a broader spectrum of
visitors.

Coronet Peak manager Nigel Kerr said the wheelchair-accessible gondola
cabins provided "safety and comfort" while taking people of all ages and
physical capabilities to an altitude, 1649m, which would normally
require a few hours steep hiking.
From the top station, mountain bikers had access to two trails: the
intermediate grade three Coronet XC, and the Coronet DH, rated an
expert grade five trail.
Both linked to two Queenstown Mountain Bike Club trails, Rude Rock
and Slip Saddle.
The company would start guided walks along the ridgeline, towards Mt
Aurum, next Saturday, he said.
He expected sightseeing to become the dominant activity over time
because of the amazing views.
"Thats whats going to make this a long-term business.
"Over the next three years, we want to turn it into a core Queenstown
tourism activity."
The Department of Conservation has given NZSki temporary approval to
use eight of its new gondola cabins this summer while it considers a 40-
year concession application.
The mixed gondola-chairlift and other facilities will run daily, from
11am to 6.30pm, until the end of March.

Source: Otago Daily Times