Heavy snowfalls that blanketed downtown Queenstown and the surrounding mountains in recent days were welcomed with open arms and whoops of joy by skiers and snowboarders.

By 7.30am on Wednesday morning the earlybirds were already up at Coronet Peak, itching to get on lifts and make 'first tracks' in the 15 to 20cm (six to eight inches) of powder that had fallen overnight. In total, Coronet Peak has received 45 to 55cm (18 to 22 inches) of new snow in the last five days.

Ski area manager Duncan Smith said the new snow was "absolutely fantastic". "We had superb dry powder this morning which has been skied in beautifully. It's top to bottom, wall to wall skiing" he said.

The Remarkables has received 30cm (12 inches) of new snow in the past 24 hours, and a total of 60cm (24 inches) in the last five days.

"It's a fantastic boost for the month of August and everyone's really into it, skiing over the whole mountain," said Manager Hamish McCrostie.

At Cardrona Alpine Resort is continuing to enjoy a bumper season with over half a metre of fresh snow in the last three days and more forecast.

"The start of the season was the best in decades and it just keeps getting better," said Nigel Kerr, Cardrona spokesperson. "It's been so cold the snow is just as silky as it comes with many of our customers saying it's as good as it gets in New Zealand. There's a lot of work for the groomers to do with heaps of snow piled up on the snow gates."!�

The abundance of snow means the Southern Hemisphere�s biggest pipe park will have its largest feature up and running when the massive Johnny Superpipe opens shortly. Cardrona is also home to the country's longest terrain park and that too has benefited from the new snow with all 27 features in perfect riding condition.

Downtown Queenstown will also enjoy Cardrona's new snow when a truck load is driven down for the grand finale of the Cadbury Moro Street Jib Series, due to take place on 18 August in Camp Street at 6pm.