Record numbers of New Zealanders have taken to the slopes this winter despite the recession, ski field operators say.
Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith said numbers were up 25 percent over last year, making this the busiest skiing season on record.
"It's the best we've done by a long way."
Demand for Mt Ruapehu season passes was also at a record high, with 25,000 sales this year compared with 18,000 last year.
"That's a significant increase. I don't think anyone in their wildest dreams would have picked that coming into 2009," Mr Smith said.
The increases were mostly driven by domestic demand, as budget-conscious families took to the slopes during the July school holidays as an alternative to overseas travel, he said.
The increases were also due to consistent snow conditions and a good number of blue sky days.
Numbers were expected to remain high throughout the August season peak, Mr Smith said.
"I don't see any slow-down at all. If things continue as they are, I would expect demand to be high right through."
Domestic numbers had also increased significantly in the South Island, wh e re overseas skiers typically drive demand.
Mt Hutt marketing manager James Urquhart said i t had been a good season for ski fields despite the economic downturn.
Demand had been driven by good domestic tourism packages, he said.
"We're bargain hunters, us Kiwis. We look for the best deal for the most fun. And I think the doom and gloom out there ... people are getting sick of hearing about it."
People were holidaying closer to home, with more people driving to ski fields than previous years, Mr Urquhart said.
"We've had a few from the North Island who've actually driven their cars across the ferries and down here, where in the past they probably would have flown to Christchurch."
The bumper ski season has also benefited accommodation providers.
Destination Queenstown marketing manager Graham Budd said demand for accommodation in the Queenstown area had risen 15 to 30 percent.
Accommodation in the region was still plentiful, Mr Budd said.
However, Bachcare general manager Leslie Preston said demand for accommodation had outstripped supply during the July school holidays, with a 200 percent increase in bookings over the same period last year.
Demand for high-end accommodation increased 10 percent on July last year, while demand for add-on services increased 25 percent, she said.
NZPA