75 years of good times

``You people have no idea of what is going to hit you in the next few years.’’

With these words New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department general manager R.S. Odell presided over the opening of Coronet Peak’s new base building and its first double-chairlift in 1964.

It seems Odell was right. Over the next few decades, Coronet Peak led the way for Aotearoa’s ski industry, becoming a training ground to many world champions and a playground to millions of amateur skiers.

Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s first commercial ski area, opened near Queenstown in 1947 and celebrates its 75th birthday over the coming week.

Known as the home of good times, we took a trawl through the archives.

Some memorable milestones include hosting the first national ski championship in 1948, trialling snowmaking in 1963, installing the first chairlift in 1964 and the first groomers in the 1970s.

Once they got past walking up the hill, the first skiers at Coronet Peak had the joy of a single rope tow, built by jet-boat inventor Sir William Hamilton.

Two more Hamilton rope tows were installed in 1949, then a Poma was put at Rocky Gully and the first double-chairlift was installed in 1964.

At the same time a new base building was constructed with plans to extend it to the road, so skiers could eat without the hassle of removing their skis.

Since there has been skiing there has been ski racing, and Coronet Peak has been hosting the nation’s top events since the 1950s.

In the 1980s it secured its spot as the South Island home for the national ski championships and training headquarters for Olympic athletes such as Annelise Coberger, the first Kiwi to win a Winter Olympics medal when she won silver in the slalom in France in 1992.

Coronet Peak has been the training ground to many world champions and international race teams, as well as local talent like Alice Robinson.

But the racing was not always serious.

The Dash for Cash, which involved getting up, across and down the mountain in any way possible, became a Winter Festival staple.

The event will be repeated this year on

August 18, but with more rules and a $1000 prize.

Another enduring event known for general chaos is the dog derby, in which country dogs and townies attempt to run their dogs down the mountain and through an obstacle course at the bottom.

To start the 75-year anniversary celebrations, Katchafire will play at the ski field on Wednesday night, followed by a fireworks display.

Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr said events would continue over four days.

They included a ticketed gala and dinner where Coronet Peak stories will be shared through live interviews, storytelling, photos and footage.

For the many staff who have worked at Coronet Peak, a special alumni apre` sski event will be held.

A retro day featuring a straight ski race should remind some skiers how much strength and skill it takes to turn ``those old planks’’, Kerr said.

Other events include the Meadow Fresh Dog Derby, GH Mumm Champagne hosted brunch, long lunch and fashion show.