Blog

Having just returned from Fiona Stevens ski camps at Coronet Peak three things come to mind. Firstly what a priviledge it is to get instruction with experts like Fiona and her team. Secondly, how nice Coronet Peak has become. Thirdly, how I cannot wait to ski in Utah again utilising my new skills. I am going to ring the Ski traveller team  and make a few plans.

Getting back to Coronet Peak that used to carry the unfortunate monica of “Concrete Peak.” Much has changed. By increasing their water capacity and snowmaking they have been able to nail the May snow dump and make snow most evenings from then on. Coronet always had interesting topography and good lift capacity has been added in recent times. Being able to ski the whole mountain on good snow is great and has lead to a re-rate the resort as a ski experience.

Fantastic offer for winter….stay 4 nights and pay for 3 nights.  Eichardt’s is nicest place to stay in Queenstown.
Heliski Package is also available.  You must stay at Eichardt’s at least once in your lifetime!  There are only five hotel suites and four lakefront cottages at Eichardt’s, exclusive and boutique - treat yourself.

NZ$ 369 pp/night + gst
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 nights and includes daily breakfast

NZ$ 785 pp/night + gst
Stay 3 nights and get a day heliskiing for 2 adults and includes daily breakfast 

www.eichardtshotel.co.nz

Sunny skies, bubbles and smiles all round were the hallmarks of the opening of the ski season at Mt Hutt today (Saturday, May 30).  More than 2000 Cantabrians and visitors to the region turned out to welcome the snow and celebrate skiing in May at Mt Hutt.  The high country ski area opening was two weeks ahead of schedule as a result of early snow coverage.

Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson says it was the first time the mountain had opened in May for more than a decade.  “We have a one metre snow base which is phenomenal for this time of year.  Getting the mountain open early has been a huge challenge for staff but we had a great day today making it well worth the effort.

Check out Mt Hutt’s auction, lift passes for the rest of the season starting at $1.
http://www.sella.co.nz/store/4yhr1r/mt-hutt-ski-area/

More info on ski holidays in New Zealand, Japan, USA & Canada:
www.skitraveller.co.nz

Let me tell you if you have never been on one…. You have definitely missed out. This year Antoine will be doing the camps with us for the first time so the ladies will be very happy…all that french charm! 

The camps are great for everybody really from a social point o view, very tiring after all that hard work on the mountains some of the campers manage to have margarithas before 5.30 just to get a light relief from all the pain we have caused during the day…

Actually I have really enjoyed the camps because fun loving people get together who are passionate about skiing and who love to improve, push themselves a bit and most of all love to have fun in the mountains and on the dance floor… Both being crucial in being a good camper…

We try to teach everybody skills to improve their own style , give them tips about the right equipment and boot set up, technical advice of course and a lot of it is learning how to manage certain situations and how to manage oneself in those tricky, difficult situations. Some of the campers get out of their comfort zone and learn how to deal with the situation and others realise that they are actually capable of doing a lot more than they thought . After 4 days of hard work and fun I can honestly say that everybody goes home happy and feeling like they have accomplished something….and for Fiona and myself. We are happy to go to the pillow show early the last day.

JOIN us this year at Cornet Peak or Treble Cone

Claudia

I was talking to a friend in Queenstown on Friday….he reported the snow falling, even settling on the ground….winter is definitely on it’s way as the next day my sister text me from Wellington to say she could see snow on the mountains at the top of the South Island.  Time to start looking for flights south, Ski Traveller has some great hotel, apartment, rental car & lift pass deals for Queenstown, Wanaka and Methven this year….come in and see us or give us a call to book your South Island winter getaway.  

Talk to Lianne about the South Island.

PS - make sure you check out the amazing BlackonWhite Ski Camps we have for July & August (under UNIQUE Holidays on our site).  The camps operate from Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and Treble Cone - very limited numbers, take your skiing to another level - you will be coached by former Olympic & World Cup skiers, the BONUS for this year is Antoine Deneriaz the 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist will be attending two of the camps!!!