“Now We Are Talking About Winter!” Say NZ Ski Areas

A huge snowfall through the first half of this week has transformed conditions for the better on New Zealand’s South Island.

Snowfalls of up to 60cm (2 feet) have been reported over the past 72 hours with the result that base depths have passed through the metre mark for the first time this season and more areas are fully open.

Some ski areas remained closed today (Thursday) whilst lifts are dug out and terrain made safe, others did open and reported epic conditions.

“Absolutely stunning day up here!  Fresh snow, uncrowded slopes and sunshine. Tomorrow, the upper mountain will open for the first time this winter! We can't wait to welcome everyone up for what will be an epic day!” a statement from Porters Alpine Resort reads.

Mt Hutt reports a 110cm (44”) base and has about 90% of its slopes open. Mt Dobson is at 120cm (48”) but remained closed on Thursday whilst the centre prepares for re-opening.

Most other South Island areas are 90% open now and plan to fully open by the weekend. Some including Treble Cone are already back to being fully open.

However Temple Basin, a club field which has not yet had enough snow to open this season so far says the new snow it’s had is not enough,

“Unfortunately Ullr has not smiled upon us during the latest storm. We received 10-15cm (4-6”) at the lodge with lots of SE wind. There are some deeper deposits on the upper mountain but this was not the storm to get us open.”

The storm is snow hitting the North Island where ski centres are also hoping the fresh snow will allow them to greatly expanded on the limited possibilities they’ve had so far this winter.