21 Sep 2019

Woman dies in ski field accident at Coronet Peak near Queenstown

3:14 pm on 21 September 2019

A skier has died after an accident at Coronet Peak ski field this morning.

Coronet Peak pictured in snow last weekend prior to more snowfall.

Coronet Peak pictured in snow last weekend prior to more snowfall. Photo: Supplied/Coronet Peak

Police said a woman died on the field near Queenstown at about 9am.

The woman appeared to lose control on one of the main runs and had crashed into a fence post, NZ Herald reported.

The incident took place at the bottom of Sugar's Run, which is accessed by the Coronet Express chairlift.

In a statement, NZSki chief Paul Anderson said Coronet Peak medical responders, a doctor, nurse and patrol attended the scene soon after the incident was reported.

At 9.45am St John Ambulance paramedics arrived.

Mr Anderson said the Coronet Express chairlift was closed immediately and has been on hold all morning.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the woman's family and friends at this very sad time," he said.

"We are in contact with her family and we are also assisting our staff and guests on the mountain who may have been affected by this event. We are also actively working with the appropriate authorities as the investigations get underway."

Worksafe said it had been notified and was looking into what happened.

Police said they were still making inquiries and the death had been referred to the coroner.