The year 2010 was a record for the New Zealand ski industry as 15% more skiers and snowboarders crossed the Tasman to visit New Zealand ski areas. But the year 2011 promises to be even better!

More direct flights into Christchurch and Queenstown, improved facilities such as snowmaking machines, lifts and lodges, and a favourable exchange rate all contribute to a highly attractive upcoming New Zealand ski season. James Coddington from NZ Ski Ltd says: “People are booking and there’s real excitement about the coming season. We’re getting repeat business – there’s not a negative comment from those who’ve come and experienced our skiing, and they want to bring their friends.”

With July now being Queenstown’s busiest month in terms of tourism figures and 30 direct international weekly flights into Queenstown, the city will be buzzing throughout winter. Methven is looking forward to high visitor numbers, too. There are now 27 international weekly flights into Christchurch which boosts numbers of skiers and snowboarders flocking to Methven and Mt Hutt ski area.

When asked about impacts of the Christchurch earthquake on the 2011 New Zealand ski season, James Coddington was positive: “Aussies are a resilient bunch – they’ve had floods, major storms, fires etc. to cope with. I spoke to a group of Australians in Methven two days after the earthquake and asked them if they would be coming over to ski and they said ‘why wouldn’t we?’ Our ski season is not going to be greatly affected by this.”

Of course such positive predictions call for action. 2011 New Zealand ski holidays should be planned early and accommodation booked ahead to avoid disappointment. Planning a ski holiday now also means that your clients can their hands on early bird ski passes and attractive ski packages.