NZSki bosses last night told members of the Queenstown business community the season was shaping up after an unseasonably warm June last year.

Last year, ski resorts in the Southern Lakes were without snow for most of June, compounded by an uncertain preseason due to the impact of the Christchurch earthquake, floods in Queensland and a faltering economy.

Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, NZSki chief executive James Coddington said the temperature during last year's meeting was 20 degrees Celsius.

The temperature was 4.9C yesterday, with snow on the peaks around Queenstown.

He introduced a locals-only learn-to-ski programme, improvements to the hi-tech mypass system and new trails at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

The nature of bookings had changed in the last three years, with many customers waiting until snow arrived before buying tickets, he said.

Australia was the key market and Aussies viewed a winter holiday in New Zealand as a destination that was as exciting as Europe or the United States.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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