The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival 2008 wrapped up with a huge day at Coronet Peak with organisers declaring the 10 Coolest Days of Winter a resounding success.

A big dump of snow the day before (Saturday July 5) made for perfect skiing and boarding conditions and thousands flocked to the slopes providing an incredible atmosphere for Festival Finale.

The grabaseat Mountain Mayhem kicked off the proceedings with the Dash for Cash. A red hot field of competitors tore down the course, ripped off their skis for the second leg of a gruelling up hill section, before a frantic dash for the finish line.

Taking out top places in their categories were Sam Hazeldine 1st Male, Imogen Inglis 1st Female and winner of the veteran’s section Jeff Desbecker.

It was then time for all the craziness that is ‘grabaseat Mountain Mayhem’ with the suitcase race, musical chairs and more. With many locals and visitors taking part in all the fun, madness and action with the major prize of a flight to Tahiti for 2 courtesy of grabaseat going to Damian Green in the Musical chairs competition.

A super keen bunch of skiers and boarders registered for the SkiDealsNZ.com Rail Jam showcasing their incredible skills on the purpose built rails and box located in prime position for spectators.

After a tough qualifying round, the finals of the Rail Jam were held under lights as a huge crowd, happy after a day of incredible skiing added to the intense mood as each rider pushed themselves to the limit.

Taking out First Place in the Male Snowboard category was Nick Hyne and Female Ist place went to Callie Conoghan.

In the Ski category first place went to Matt Soundy and first place female Ella Spittle.

Best switch back flip went to Jeremy Thorns, for his 450 Pat Taranchuck took home a $100 Browns Voucher, Jordan Reher, Harry Petit, and James Cronin also took home Browns Vouchers for their efforts and Connor Adams took home the prize for Best Grommie.

Mahi Mains won an Inca snowboard, 2 Freebords went to Christy Prior and Richard Kuban, with Natalia Supcka receiving a pair of skis and spot prizes going to Charlotte Trundle and Ellie Duncan.

Finishing off the festivities were the cools sounds of Ddub on the deck of the Coronet Peak Lodge as an awesome laser show lit up the mountain.