Very cool look back at the history of New Zealand’s Coronet Peak through the eyes of Queenstown local Jules Tapper. Growing up in Invercargill he learnt to ski on Coronet Peak in the 1950s, taught skiing on the mountain in the 1960s and was a shareholder in the Mount Cook Group when the company owned the Peak. From the early days riding wood skis with ‘rat trap bindings’, to the growth in tourism and facilities in the 1990s, Jules has seen this gem of a mountain grow up a lot throughout the decades. Cheers to Coronet on the anniversary and a toast 75 more!
THE ORIGINAL
Plans are well underway to celebrate Coronet Peak’s 75th year of operating as New Zealand’s first commercial ski area. Coronet Peak launched commercially in July 1947 and in doing so it forever changed Queenstown’s, and ultimately New Zealand’s tourism offering, but most importantly, our passion for snow sports.
From humble beginnings that required a long walk up to a single rope tow, our mountain has evolved over its 75 years building on its position as the birthplace of commercial skiing in New Zealand, and the country’s, true ‘original’ for winter snow sports.
GOOD TIMES SINCE 1947
“Coronet Peaks 75th is a chance to celebrate not only the mountain, but more importantly the people who have dreamed, built and enjoyed the Peak over the last seventy-five years. I was told once “that to look over your shoulder to see where you have come from is an opportunity to draw a better path to the future”.
I agree with this, the shared passion we have for snow sports in all its forms is what empowers us. We can’t wait to celebrate and share with you over the season and we look forward to announcing an exciting events programme we have planned in the coming months.”
– Nigel Kerr, Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager
