A $35-million development plan for The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski areas has been announced today.
Coronet Peak ski area. Photo: RNZ / Supplied
The proposal includes summer operations and access to new terrain.
NZSki, which operates the Queenstown ski areas, said the upgrades included a new express chairlift from the base of The Remarkables.
At Coronet Peak, there were plans for an upgraded gondola.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the upgrade was part of the mountain's preparation for summer operations, which will include mountain biking.
"We've had an absolute record winter at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and these developments along with our future plans for growth are absolutely key to the future here in Queenstown.
"Both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are much-loved ski fields with a loyal following. Both of these mountains are part of the fabric of the Queenstown and wider community, and integral to our winter lives."
Mr Anderson said continued demand required responsible and sustainable development. He said they were committed to working with the Department of Conservation.
"We firmly believe that through our commitment to native revegetation and predator control, these environments can be better than they would be without us.
"Our landscape is the backbone to our operations and the reason we love what we do," Mr Anderson said.
At Coronet Peak, the planned year-round operation would allow increased access to thousands of local, national and international visitors.
"We currently have hundreds of people hiking and mountain biking on Coronet Peak during the summer months.
"We want these people to maximise their experience and so we will be creating world-class mountain bike trails and experiences during these summer months," Mr Anderson said.
Work on the projects was to begin this summer, pending approvals from various authorities, including the Department of Conservation.
