Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Mother Nature has provided a perfect start to the 2012 winter season in Lake Wanaka, delivering over a half meter of fresh powder to the ski region on New Zealand’s South Island this week.

“The timing couldn’t have been better for those traveling to Wanaka for the school holidays,” said James Helmore, general manager of Lake Wanaka Tourism.  “All four ski areas will be open by Friday and the new snow will allow the mountains to put plenty of terrain on offer.”

Lake Wanaka gets the most snow in New Zealand, with over four meters, or 160 inches, in an average season.

Its four mountain resorts combine to offer a wide variety of skiing, snowboarding and cross-country terrain.  Home to many of New Zealand’s elite snow sports athletes, Wanaka offers everything from perfectly groomed beginner slopes to powdery steep slopes that promise to get the adrenaline pumping.  Those looking for time in the air can take advantage of world- lass park and pipe facilities and, on any given day, will likely be skiing or riding alongside some of the world’s best.  Wanaka is also home to New Zealand’s only cross country ski area, Snow Farm which provides a truly unique experience for those looking to improve their fitness while enjoying the peace and quiet of the winter outdoors.

After two weather delays, Snow Park NZ will finally get its 10th anniversary ski and snowboard season underway on Friday.

“We’re thrilled to be opening,” said Snow Park NZ General Manager Robin Sadowski-Synnott. “Our entire crew have done a fantastic job preparing for the season.”

Skiers and boarders will enjoy good conditions in Treble Cone’s Home Basin for their first turns of the season on Friday. To toast the opening a celebratory glass of Amisfield bubbles will be served on the plaza at 11 a.m.

“We are excited to get the 2012 season underway,” said Dave Crotty, Treble Cone’s slopes manager. “We are very positive about opening up more of the mountain in time for the school holidays next week. The snow groomers have been working hard moving snow around, packing and grooming the runs to create optimum snow conditions.”

Visitors to Lake Wanaka can also take advantage of the areas new OnePassNZ, which provides unlimited freedom to ski and ride at eight of the South Island’s mountain resorts, including all four Wanaka resorts: Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park and Snow Farm.

“What makes this pass unique is that it allows visitors freedom to ski any of the eight mountains as they choose,” says Nigel Kerr, Treble Cone marketing manager.  “Beyond that, the pass can also be used to rent gear, take lessons, eat in local restaurants and experience an array of other activities like skydiving, jet boating, spas, vineyards and more.”

“It’s magical when the peaks surrounding Wanaka are covered in white,” said Helmore.  “The town is buzzing and we’ve once again become a winter wonderland.”