Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Treble Cone closed out its 2010 ski and snowboard season on a high note on Sunday afternoon with a record number of final-day visitors and the costumed Slush Cup.nA bluebird day welcomed brightly dressed snow sports enthusiasts to enjoy Treble Cone at its finest with an end of season record base of 232cm in the Saddle Basin and 108cm in the Home Basin.

Visitor numbers for the 2010 season have been above average and the dollar spend on-budget, resort officials indicate. The season kicked off with an excellent coverage of snow resort-wide with the Saddle Basin operational since opening day. Despite a dip in snowfall levels in July and August there have been very few closed days due to the weather.

With quieter visitor numbers during the middle of the season overall tickets sales have been “good,” officials indicate, with season pass sales increasing and a noticeable rise amongst the locals.

Treble Cone marketing manager Nigel Kerr said he was delighted with the way the season had gone and the overall visitor numbers.

“We are really pleased with this year’s season and gaining greater local support. Mother Nature certainly served up some interesting weather patterns with a bountiful supply of snow throughout spring, we are already looking forward to opening day next year,” Kerr said.

There is a final opportunity to get the last turns of the season at Treble Cone this Saturday, with Sunday reserved as a potential weather day. The local charity fundraising day will see proceeds going to the Aspiring Avalanche Dogs. Tickets need to be pre-purchased from Thunderbikes on Helwick Street. Tickets cost NZ$40 cash and are limited to 250.

Elsewhere in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region, a declining snowpack is forcing Coronet Peak near Queenstown to close its season ahead of schedule. After earlier scaling back its closing date to this Sunday, resort officials indicate that the snow base won’t hold out that long and the resort will now close Wednesday of this week.

The Queenstown ski season will continue at The Remarkables through this Sunday as planned.