Best snow conditions in decades set Queenstown up for record 2022 winter

Queenstown, New Zealand (Friday 21 October 2022) - Queenstown enjoyed a record winter with the best snow conditions in decades. A huge June snowfall set the mountains up for a long season of quality snow. Cardrona Alpine Resort opened on 11 June then briefly closed with too much snow. Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone General Manager Laura Hedley says what followed: “for the entire winter was just wall-to-wall snow”.

NZSki Chief Executive Paul Anderson says the snow at the Remarkables and Coronet Peak was also "wall-to-wall from the get-go!

"It’s certainly one for the history books. Described by locals as the best snow in 30 years – it kickstarted a bumper season for us in terms of conditions, visitation numbers and open days,” says Anderson.

The snow fell thick and fast from the start, with one of the biggest snowfalls in June in a generation. Destination Queenstown Chief Executive Mat Woods says from opening day right through to closing, conditions were the best he can remember. “Our mountains have done an amazing job welcoming guests from New Zealand, Australia and around the world, providing a truly world-class experience.”

Visitors have stayed longer in Queenstown this winter, with length of stay up 15%. Visitor expenditure also increased, up 27% on 2019 - a record for the peak ski season months (July-September). The 2022 season also saw the return of events like the Winter Games, Winter Pride and Snow Machine.

Queenstown mountains are now busy preparing for summer with mountain biking, walking and other activities. For more information visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

ENDS.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tsehai Tiffin
Communications Advisor
Destination Queenstown
021 523 899
tsehai@queenstownNZ.nz