Today also marks the first 22ft halfpipe to open in the Southern Hemisphere this year. Snow Park NZ team riders were given the first ride of the pipe and all agreed it was well worth the wait.

The team drew straws for the first hit to the pipe with Wanaka snowboarder Abby Lockhart drawing the shortest straw and the first ride.

I wanted to keep it fun so I invited the team to drop in together in a train, said Lockhart. Its  awesome to have the pipe open and great to have more options at Snow Park this early in the season.

A dedicated park crew have been working day and night to ensure the pipe is perfect. Ideal snowmaking conditions provided the icing on the cake.

This year sees a technically advanced superpipe created in association with Development Snow Parks, the local Wanaka company contracted to create this years 2010 Vancouver Olympic Halfpipe.

An increase in size from last years 18ft pipe, Sam Lee, Snow Park NZs Operations Manager said larger pipes are now the standard.

They are so much safer and everyone is able to get a better experience. said Lee.

Snow Park NZ halfpipe enthusiasts and newcomers alike are also free to enjoy the newly opened Hatchet Slopestyle run.