Queenstown, New Zealand – Blue sky days and solid early season ski conditions make for thirsty work on Coronet Peak, so finding a fully stocked bar at the top of the New Zealand ski resort’s Green Gates chairlift is a welcome sight.  Staff carved a bar out of the ice last season, and it proved so popular that a full bar is now available at the top of the chairlift, catering to thirsty skiers and snowboarders.

Brilliant blue skies over the past 10 days have kept the outdoor bar busy.

“It is a great addition up on the field to be able to enjoy a drink in the sunshine,” says visitor Shane Edmond, of Christchurch, New Zealand. “It’s also good to get away from the crowd at the base and relax up here. The facilities and all the lifts are fantastic.”

The Ice Bar joins Heidi’s Hut in Rocky Gully, and the Base Building in providing refreshments on Coronet Peak.  “All up we have five outlets for skiers and boarders to grab a bite, or to relax and recharge with a full meal and drinks on the mountain”, said Craig Douglas, Sales and Marketing General Manager at Coronet Peak. “The Ice Bar has comfortable bean bags and a wide range of drinks and snacks for all ages.”

The ice bar is groomed each day and is open throughout the season.