“So it was an experience … You didn’t ski down the hill because you had to wait in a queue for 50 minutes again, so you skied as far as you could, going across, and traversing, and turning, and crossing backwards and forwards.”– Sir Jon Davies
One of New Zealand’s most famous ski resorts is celebrating an important anniversary. Coronet Peak in Queenstown, New Zealand is celebrating seventy-five years of lift-serviced operations, and it’s been one of its best winters in recent memory. The great conditions have led Coronet Peak to extend the season to October 2nd. On August 19th, they hosted events like a straight ski race, a retro theme day, and a retro fashion parade. They will be hosting a dog derby on the 21st.
The ski field was founded in 1947 by Sir Henry Wigley and Mount Cook and Southern Lakes Tourist Company and was originally serviced by a 915-meter rope tow. According to the Otago Daily Times, since John Davies and investors from NZSki bought the property in the 2000s, they have installed the southern-hemispheres largest snowmaking system, added new high-speed chairlifts and a chondola, and constructed a new base lodge.
On Tuesday, Coronet Peak released a video discussing the history of the mountain. NZSki Chairman Sir John Davies talks in the video about his first time skiing there, what it was like back in its early days, how he helped grow the mountain, and what it’s been like seeing the mountain grow. There are a ton of vintage photos and footage, so it’s well worth a watch.
Image/Video Credits: Coronet Peak
