Snowsports enthusiasts and mountain crews in Queenstown, New Zealand, struggled to contain their excitement today after a huge dump of snow hit the Southern Alps overnight.

The Remarkables received 40cm of fresh snow and Coronet Peak had a significant fall of 20cm.

Ideal conditions and plummeting temperatures delivered this welcome early snow dump.

"It's a little unusual to have an icy blast on the mountains quite so early on, especially when we had temperatures in the early 20s last week," said The Remarkables Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie.

"We didn't see snow like this until a month later last year, so predictions for an early winter seem to be right. The longer term forecast indicates we'll hang onto this new snow and see more pretty soon - roll on opening day on June 24th!"

Across the valley, Coronet Peak Mountain Manager Russell Hall said the new snow is a fantastic help in the lead up to Coronet Peak's opening on June 10.

"This is a short, sharp blast to remind us that winter isn't far away. It's pretty blustery and the snow is still falling up here.

"If the cold snap continues it will form a great base for what we're anticipating to be a bumper season," added Hall.

This week maintenance crews on both mountains are installing brand new state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. These new developments, coupled with natural snow, will help ensure a fantastic winter experience for anyone visiting the mountains this season.

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