Ski season opens early
11 Jun 2008
A cold southerly storm has blown good fortune over New Zealand’s ski fields providing the perfect start to the ski season.
Some fields have opened early and the industry is predicting a bumper season. Though most ski fields throughout the North and South Islands will open progressively during this month, a large snowfall has prompted some to kick off the season early. Between 25cm and 30cm of snow fell at Mount Hutt in the South Island in one weekend taking snow levels to about half a metre on the field's main trails.
Gearing up
Mount Lyford in Canterbury was also advising skiers to dust off their gear in preparation for an early start to the skiing season after a 30cm snow fall.
General manager Doug Simpson said staff were "over the moon" at the snowfall, which would enable the field to open early - an event that only happened about every five years.
Coronet Peak near Queenstown has already opened and The Remarkables, is set to start the season on June 21.
Other fields like Porters Ski Area won’t open until later in the month.
General manager Uli Dinsenbacher said the field would wait until June 26 in preparation for the school holiday rush.
"We just want to concentrate on making snow, really getting a good base so we last throughout the season. For us it's more important that we get into the school holidays with a good base. You get it skied out if you don't get more snow," he said.
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