The good start to the season in NZ means that The Remarkables ski area will be opening a week earlier than planned.

Early snowfalls, cold temperatures and good snowmaking have helped the South Island ski area which will open on Saturday June 23, the second year in a row it has opened early because of good snow.

Ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said he and his staff were "really stoked" to be opening early.

"Our snowmaking and grooming staff are working very hard to get the ski area looking really good, and all other departments are also working towards a great opening."

Six snowmaking guns have been operating whenever conditions permit. The new Magic Carpet conveyor belt should be finished by the end of this week and will serve the beginners area and also act as an access lift to the base building from the car park. The Magic Carpet can move up to 1500 people per hour at a speed of 0.8m per second [so hold on tight!].

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