Bases Build, “Fresh Lines in Abundance” in New Zealand Ski Resorts

There has been some wild weather in New Zealand for the past week bringing extremes of wind, rain and snow that’s proved challenging for the country’s ski areas.

It seems to be settling down again now,  leaving base snow depths of up to 1.6 metres and powder conditions to enjoy at most centres, with blue sky days too.

Prior to this however, snowfalls of up to a metre in 24 hours were posted, but there was also torrential rain and strong winds at some centres washing away at snow cover and cutting power supplies. This made lift operations unsafe, blocking access roads, burying resort facilities and increasing avalanche risk.

Many of the country’s ski areas were temporarily unable to open, or to be reached, because of one or more of these factors.

Now the problem could be that too many people will try to go skiing or boarding. Coronet Peak closed its access road to cars earlier today due to the high number of visitors and said people should take the ski bus.

Treble Cone (pictured top and above), has had a problematic start to the 2017 season, initially having to delay opening because it was too warm and dry through most of June, and then with the wave of precipitation crossing the country over the past week initially falling as rain before turning to snow on Sunday (pictured) but is now looking good. It has had 26cm of snow in the past few days.

At the end of the ski day today the resort posted: “It’s been an epic day up here. We imagine there will be some pretty sore bodies hitting the hay tonight! Fresh lines in abundance all over the whole mountain. Thank you everyone for your patience, especially on the road and in the lift lines. Looks like another blue bird day tomorrow, aren’t we lucky!”

Turoa, part of Mt Ruapehu on New Zealand’s North Island which only opened in the past few weeks is reporting the country’s deepest base at 1.6 metres with 10cm of fresh snow today. This resort has a reputation for having the New Zealand’s longest season, including November and even Christmas openings some years,

Six other ski centres also have bases of more than a metre including Mt Hutt with 1.4m below.

More snow is now in the forecast towards the end of the week.