The summer sun and beach weather don’t exactly make you think of winter, but it’s worth casting your mind to the ski season that lies ahead. Today, Cardrona Alpine Resort’s Early Bird Season Passes have gone on sale and they offer great value for New Zealand skiers and snowboarders.

Early Bird Adult Season Passes for 2011 are priced at NZ$585, Child Passes at NZ$135, Student Passes at NZ$520 and Veteran Passes at NZ$260, and these great bargains will be on sale until 15 March. A further discount is offered to loyal skiers and snowboarders who were also holding a 2010 season pass.

Daily lift passes for 2011 will range between NZ$46 for children and NZ$94 for adults, while the flexible Five-Day Anytime Pass will be NZ$425 for adults and NZ$200 for children.

The Cardrona Alpine Resort 2011 ski season is scheduled to run from 24 June till 2 October and the ski area is already gearing up for the grand opening day. Currently, a brand-new snow-making system is being installed to service the increased 345-hectare ski terrain.