It’s snowtime, folks!
by Brown Bear - April 14th, 2009. Filed under: Latest News, Ski Areas, South Island.Early snow has come to South Island ski areas. Cold temperatures and light snowfalls overnight on 8 April 2009 have delivered early snow to New Zealand’s premier ski areas Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables.
Canterbury’s Mt Hutt received 20 cm of snow, with some areas on the access road receiving over half a metre. Further south in Queenstown, The Remarkables has received 10 cm of snow.
Ross Lawrence, manager of The Remarkables Ski Area, said the mountain had turned from green to white overnight, with snow falling down to the 6 km mark on the access road.
“The mountain crew is buzzing with anticipation for the season ahead. It’s a fantastic early reminder for skiers and snowboarders to get their snow gear and passes sorted for when the season opens in early June,” he said.
Across the valley at Coronet Peak, 10 cm has fallen. Manager Hamish McCrostie of Coronet Peak Ski Area echoed the sentiments expressed by Mr. Lawrence saying that “whilst snowfall at this time won’t stick around until winter, it is certainly a timely reminder that winter is on its way. It also serves to reinforce the long range forecast of a longer, colder winter for the South Island this year.”
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are scheduled to open on Saturday 6 June 2009 and Saturday 20 June respectively. Mt Hutt is scheduled to open on Saturday 13 June.
Snow bunnies can visit www.nzski.com for more information.
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