Spring snows refresh NZ ski fields
07 Sep 2009
On the crest of a bumper winter sports season, fresh snow falls and clear days are providing good conditions for skiers and snowboarders as New Zealand shifts into spring gear.
New snow delivered on the first day of spring - up to 50cm in some places - means that skiers and snowboarders on New Zealand’s key ski fields should still have weeks of good skiing to look forward to.
The snow's arrival was perfect timing for operators announcing attractive spring 2009 packages with reduced prices for accommodation and lift passes.
Spring skiing in the mountains of the North and South Islands will continue throughout September and October, offering winter sports enthusiasts the chance to ski and snowboard their hearts out on less crowded fields, or try the challenge of off-piste and heli-skiing.
Coronet Peak / The Remarkables
Powder-hungry skiers at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, near Queenstown, were treated to 20 - 30cms of spring snow on 1 September. Since then, seven days of consistent snow have taken powder levels to 62cm at Coronet Peak and 69cm at The Remarkables.
More snow is expected throughout September, and David Ovendale of NZ Ski says the latest snowfalls have both ski areas perfectly set for spring.
"There could not be a better time to come for a quick ski fix - it’s affordable, the conditions are fantastic.
"Spring is a perfect time to discover skiing and riding here as it brings a combination of sunshine, freshly-groomed trails, relaxing on the sun decks, and plenty of family-friendly fun," Ovendale said.
Lake Wanaka
Spring skiing will continue through September and October at Lake Wanaka's four ski areas in the South Island.
Consistent natural snow falls, early season and cool winter
temperatures have provided all the resorts with good solid snow bases
that will offer excellent conditions through to season’s end.
Cardrona Alpine Resort has recorded 317cm of accumulated snow for the season to date, breaking the previous record by more than a metre. The average for the last 10 years stands at 160cm for the whole season.
Treble Cone
With 50cm falling in just 24 - 36 hours, the base depths at Treble Cone have continued to grow helping to bring the Saddle Basin’s total base depths up to two meters. More snow is forecast.
"We have had an incredible season; the Saddle Quad hasn’t surpassed the two-metre mark since ‘94," acting managing director Tim Hudson said.
Treble Cone has the South Island’s largest vertical descent, the most terrain and longest groomed trails. The dedicated 1km-long sled run, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, will also operate through to October.
James Helmore, Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager, says spring is an excellent time to visit Lake Wanaka.
"Visitors get the best of all seasons and can enjoy a variety of activities on and off the mountain. Skiing and snowboarding in the morning to wine tours and or a game of golf in the afternoon, the climate makes for a well rounded trip," Helmore said.
North Island ski-fields
In the North Island, both Turoa and Whakapapa ski-fields on Mt Ruapehu are anticipating good spring skiing throughout September and October.
Turoa received an extra 15cm of snow last week bringing the base to 240cm, and Whakapapa now has 179cm.
The ski-fields will take on a pink tinge for the annual ‘Bikini downhill’ on 26 September - a fun event that raises money and awareness to support the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Thousands of onlookers turn out to watch about 50 bikinied skiers and snow boarders - mostly women - race down a simple slalom course. Onlookers can participate by donating into the pink plastic buckets manned by many willing mainly male helpers.
NZ ski-fields - 2009 scheduled closing dates:
- Snow Park 3 Oct
- Coronet Peak 4 Oct
- Treble Cone 4 Oct
- Cardrona 4 Oct
- The Remarkables 11 Oct
- Mt Hutt 18 Oct
- Turoa 26 Oct (could extend into mid-November)
- Whakapapa 26 Oct
More information:
New Zealand skiing and snowboarding destinations
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