The operator of Queenstown’s skifields is cutting day-pass prices in half this weekend after a major snow dump. 

Heavy snow falls all week, followed by blue skies, created perfect conditions up the mountains yesterday. 

NZSki is offering half-price day passes this weekend at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables to celebrate, with NZSki general manager sales and marketing Craig Douglas saying: “Just when you thought the season was over, winter has finally decided to make an appearance. 

“We know it hasn’t been the best of seasons for fresh snow on Queenstown’s mountains but we’ll take this opportunity – and hope skiers and riders take it too. There’s now fantastic skiing and riding conditions.” 

Coronet received 56cms of snow this week and The Remark­ables 80cms – and yesterday was a bluebird powder morning with one local skier up Coronet Peak saying it was the best of the season. 

“You could say I thought it was better than sex ... almost as good as sex.” 

The NZ MetService is predicting rain tomorrow and Saturday but notes it’ll fall as snow up Queenstown ski mountains. 

Local fields are expected to stay open until October 7.