Weather permitting, the Coronet Express lift will open 8am sharp at Coronet Peak tomorrow morning (Wednesday July 2) as First Tracks gets underway for the 2008 season.

Those with a First Tracks extension to their seasons pass or a special First Tracks ticket, purchased in conjunction with a day ticket valid for the same day, will be able to ride the Coronet Express lift from 8am, before the lifts 'officially' open at 9am.

"Snow conditions can be amazing first thing in the morning, particularly after a fresh snowfall or a night's snowmaking," says ski area manager Hamish McCrostie. "First Tracks allows enthusiastic people to enjoy the first light and first runs of the day.

"It's also a popular option for people who work in Queenstown. A few runs before work is a fantastic start to the day made even better when followed by a coffee and breakfast from the Coronet Restaurant."

A limited number of one-off First Tracks tickets will be on sale every day at the Snow Centre in the Station Building in central Queenstown and on the day in the Coronet Brasserie at Coronet Peak. These tickets cost $35 lift only and are on sale only to those with season passes or who also purchase a full day pass valid for the same day.

First Tracks will run subject to snow and weather conditions and will be available until late in the season at Coronet Peak only.