Early Snow For South Island Ski Areas (07-Apr-09)

NZ Ski, April 7, 2009 - Cold Temeratures and light snowfalls overnight

Cold temperatures and light snowfalls overnight and on and off today (Wednesday April 8) has delivered early snow to New Zealand’s premier ski areas Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables.

Canterbury’s Mt Hutt has 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, The Remarkables Ski Area Manager, said the mountain had turned from green to white overnight with snow falling down to the 6km 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. Hamish McCrostie, Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager, 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 and Saturday 20 June respectively. Mt Hutt is scheduled to open on Saturday 13 June.