Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – The 2010 winter season is officially underway in Lake Wanaka with all four ski areas now open for business and reporting excellent early-season snow conditions.nGood snowfalls in May, and optimum snow making conditions throughout June have provided the mountains across the region with a good base and quality snow coverage for the start of the 2010 ski and snowboard season. James Helmore, general manager of Lake Wanaka Tourism, said it was great to get the snow sports action underway for the season.

“We are thrilled to welcome skiers and boarders from around the globe to enjoy the world class facilities and unique alpine town,” Helmore said. “We are looking forward to another fantastic season.”

Snow Farm was the first ski area in the region to open at the beginning of June, offering many kilometers of its world class cross country ski trails. Snow Farm, New Zealand’s only Nordic ski area, has developed a new locals program as well as a weekly biathlon club to continue its development of the sport.

At Treble Cone’s opening last week, skiers and snowboarders found all lifts operating. Skiers in The Saddle were treated to a powder day with fresh tracks lasting well into the morning. The opening day also featured New Zealand’s on-snow launch of The AirBag, a supersized, air-filled stunt cushion that provides a soft landing for aerial stunts.

There were plenty of smiles at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s opening, which featured a new 40-meter tunnel, providing a unique access route across the ski area that proved popular with skiers and boarders. Cardrona now boasts the largest number of chair lifts in the South Island with the installation of the Valley View Quad, opening up even more terrain.

The roll-out of Lake Wanaka’s ski areas continued as the freestyle action got undweray at Snow Park NZ on Saturday. New for the terrain park is a learner tow rope and designated area for beginners as well as a new transport service to take passengers to and from the mountain every day with extra frequency for night riding sessions Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. This season Snow Park NZ will launch its 22-foot halfpipe and quarter pipe as well as many new rails and boxes.

Lake Wanaka’s resorts will again take center stage for many national and international events this winter. The FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Junior World Championships (August 19-31), Burton New Zealand Open (August 10-14) and The World Heli Challenge (July 30-August 9) will attract world class athletes to the region and provide stunning action for spectators.