Winter arrives early in New Zealand
QUEENSTOWN – There’s some good news for snow skiers planning a trip to New Zealand.
Ski resorts near Queenstown and Wanaka have reported up to one metre of snow during storms this week.
The snow deluge, on top of consistent falls earlier in the month, is delivering spectacular pre-season conditions.
Mountain staff at Treble Cone are starting to groom runs and pack-down snow on trails in preparations for their opening on June 27.
Cardrona Alpine Resort hasn’t experience such early season snowfalls of this magnitude since 1995. Blizzard conditions dished up two metre snowdrifts on the road making access difficult for staff.
According to Sam Lee at Snow Park NZ, just across the Cardrona Valley, “This has given us a great heads start and snow making will be even more effective allowing for us to open all facilities as scheduled on July 4.â€
Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager, James Helmore, said, “It looks like mid-winter now and it’s only May.
“Having so much snow this early provides a hugely positive start to the season which helps everybody, from retailers to the ski fields themselvesâ€
Near Queenstown, The Remarkables ski area has received 150cm over the last two weeks, resulting in a solid 120cm base across the mountain.
The Remarkables Ski Area manager Ross Lawrence said he was excited about current conditions. “It is the best start to the season anybody can remember for many years.”
Ian Jarrett
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