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23rd June 2009

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (23 June 2009) Cardrona Alpine Resort kicks off the 2009 season this Friday (26 June) welcoming skiers and boarders to enjoy the best opening snow conditions in over a decade, the resort will open all facilities and 100% of their extensively groomed trails.

With good snowfalls throughout May and optimum snow making conditions over the past few weeks, Cardrona now has a one metre base with good coverage on all aspects for the opening weekend.

Were expecting a good turn out from locals and visitors raring to get their first turns and jumps in for the season, said Nadia Ellis Cardrona sales and marketing manager. A lot of work has gone into ensuring conditions are at their best and the mountain looks great with top to bottom pristine snow coverage.

To rejoice the start of the 2009 season the first lift-goers will receive a celebratory bottle of bubbles.

For the 2009 season Cardrona has made many improvements to its world class resort, including expansion of the terrain with a new trail down Arcadia Basin for more advanced skiers and boarders. The 22-foot half pipe has been primed for visitors and ready to host major events this season including the Burton New Zealand Open, NZ Freeski Open and Winter Games NZ.

Cardrona will open all areas of the resort on Friday with first lift at 9.00am. For further information, snow reports and web cams, visit www.cardrona.com

Sarah Walls enjoying some pre-season powder turns    Photo: Tommy Pyatt