The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown is all set to celebrate opening and kick start its 2012 season this Saturday.

Natural snow fall and cold temperatures allowing consistent snow making this past week means The Remarkables will open with on-trail snow depths of up to 20cm – with a very cold snap and expected snow in the short-term forecast.

Alta Chair and Sugar Bowl Chair will fire up on Saturday giving skiers and snowboarders access to early intermediate and intermediate runs, and two magic carpets in the learner’s area will also open for beginners.

The ‘Big Park’ will open with up to seven snowboard and skier features, and beginners features will be set up on Casterway.

Eight keen young students from a local primary school will be helping out on opening day, shadowing the ski area manager and operations manager to learn about their roles, helping with giveaways and riding their first chair open with their mascot ‘heroes’ Spike and Shred.

The Remarkables Ski Area Manager Ross Lawrence said it was going to be a great fun launch, especially with the youngsters involved.

“We’re all set to open and crank it up for the season and our team just can’t wait,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to be opening on time and great news for Queenstown, and especially as we’re such a family-friendly ski area it’s perfect to have some local kids giving us a hand,” he said.

Kids 10 and under ski free at The Remarkables for the entire season. For more information go to www.nzski.com

Homepage image / The Remarkables GM of Operations Ed Bezett riding a snow mobile at The Remarkables yesterday