Hundreds of Queenstown ski field workers who were relying on food parcels to survive only three weeks ago, are now working furiously after the biggest snow storm in years.
The lack of snow at the beginning of winter in June has long been forgotten after the biggest snow storm for 16 years this week saved the ski season.
Coronet Peaks general manager Hamish McCrostie can't believe the difference between the beginning of the season and the fresh powder of the past few days.
Coronet Peak and all the major ski fields in the North Island and South Island are now calling this season's snow the best they've seen for years.
The resorts' cash registers are humming and chief executive of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Ann Lockhart says the snow has ensured this winter will be an economic success.
