The Remarkables skifield is enjoying superb conditions going into the 2009 season. Photo / nzski.com

The Remarkables skifield is enjoying superb conditions going into the 2009 season. Photo / nzski.com

Recession? What recession? Queenstown residents are noted for their positive attitude and that's the approach being taken by South Island skifield operators to the upcoming ski and boarding season.

Season passes and early bookings have been going extremely well, says Anna Thomas, marketing manager for Wanaka's Treble Cone, particularly those from the key Australian market.

It's not just Treble Cone that is confident. Executives from all skifields express the same sentiment, rejecting suggestions this might just be wishful thinking.

"We're very confident going into our season for multiple reasons," says James Coddington, marketing director at NZSki, which operates Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.

"Skiing is different. Over the years we have always come out of recessions pretty solidly. Skiers and boarders generally are that passionate about their sport that they will sacrifice other discretionary spending before they sacrifice skiing and boarding."

NZSki's online forward bookings are 100 per cent up on last year, while ski travel wholesalers report a 10-50 per cent lift.

Common themes are aired by all ski companies: a lower New Zealand dollar has been crucial to ensuring Australian bookings are up; airfares are the most competitive ever, especially on transtasman routes; the Australian dollar price of A$56 ($71.50) for a New Zealand day lift compares very favourably with Australian day passes at A$104.

One reason for that favourable comparison is that, despite the bold front being put up against the recession, only one skifield, Cardrona, has been game to hike lift prices, even though costs have risen substantially. But the other is that the cost of getting to the South Island skifields continues to reduce.

The entry of budget airline Jetstar to the domestic market early next month, including flights into Queenstown, will be a huge boon for the South.

"That's a critical factor in the whole equation," says Coddington.

Jetstar's entry will make it easier for both domestic and international travellers to get to the skifields.

Cheap flights across the Tasman are another key issue.

"With the price war going on across the Tasman, that's in our favour."

Flights from Australia's eastern seaboard to Christchurch cost as little A$29, and from Christchurch travellers can pick up cheap domestic flights.