Heavy Snow Puts New Zealand Ski Season Back On Schedule (18-Jul-11)

Two weeks of consistent snowfall after two months of warm weather...

Two weeks of consistent snowfall after two months of warm weather has put New Zealand’s ski season back on track at most of the country’s resorts.

“This storm has, in a matter of two weeks, brought with it to both Whakapa and Turoa ski areas; over a metre of packed snow base with fresh toppings… and it’s still rising. As of this morning, Whakapapa has a 132cm base! It's gonna be great once this storm has passed.” said a statement from Mt Ruapehu this morning.

“One of the great things about this kind of big snow dump is that when the weather clears you just know it’s going to be amazing. There are another couple more days of snow forecasted and then the weather is looking like it will ‘pop’, hoorah! Get the gear out and load the car because it is going to be mint up here when the weather clears….”

It’s good news at other NZ ski areas too with 45-80cm at resorts around Queenstown and the snow still falling today. Police have had to warn drivers about the importance of fitting chains after long delays caused by access road blockages as cars that were not properly equipped have failed to make the ascends, stopping everyone else. Police are now emphasizing that fines will be enforced in a bid to make all drivers take the issue more seriously.