The 2018 ski season has begun at the Treble Cone ski area near Wanaka, with hardy skiiers and snowboarders arriving close to the crack of dawn.
A spokesperson said close to thrity people were there bright and early for the first lift ride when the gates opened at 9am.
The ski area opened five days early this year thanks to healthy snow falls in the past few weeks.
More snowfall is also due in the next few days.
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