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The Remarkables - Source: NZ Ski -
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Skiers are making the most of excellent slope conditions in what's expected to be a record season across the country.
The skiing is over at Queenstown and Wanaka's ski fields but Mount Hutt's had half a metre of snow in the last few days while Turoa announced it's extending its season by two weeks.
It turned into a record breaking season for Turoa two weeks ago and there is still a month to go.
"I think Kiwis have chosen to holiday closer to home, as the American call the staycation, we've noticed that here," says Mike Smith, Mt Ruapehu Marketing manager.
The snow base has been half what it was last year but it came at the right time, along with good weather and Kiwis responded.
The Aussies also responded by the plane load, with a massive 28% more spending their winter holidays in New Zealand compared to last year. Most of those ended up on the southern ski fields.
So many that for the first time there has been more Aussies enjoying the slopes of Coronet Peak and the Remarkables than Kiwis.
Mt Hutt opened early and with its two Queenstown ski fields NZ Ski had broken its ski visitor records by August. Next year they say will be even better.
As the Remarkables draws to a close with a retro theme, looking back on the season of 2009 there's plenty to celebrate.
