Snow Conditions Good Across Southern Hemisphere (12-Jul-09)

Ski Southern Hemisphere, July 12, 2009 - Fresh snow in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile

Fresh snow in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile has been reported by snow reporting agency skiinfo.com in the past week. Virtually all of the southern hemisphere’s ski areas, including Tiffindell in South Africa, are now open.

In South America snow conditions are good at many resorts in Argentina and Chile.  Tour operator Crystal have announced a special deal at Portillo in Chile this summer. Families with up to two children under 12 ski, eat and sleep for free for departures in August and a nine day, full board stay including Heathrow departure on August 21st with transfers to Portillo Grand Hotel’s Octogen Lodge including 7 day lift pass include, day care for children aged 3-7 years, free use of pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, games room with aerobics and gym classes and two nights in Santiago at the four star Atton El Bosque Hotel costs £2,339 per person (adults) and £1,429 (children).

In Australia the Heavenly Valley chair started turning for the first time this season last Saturday after over half a metre (20 inches) of snow dumped on Hotham in Australia in a 48 hour period. Keen skiers and boarders heading out for first tracks on Hotham's signature terrain and what is arguably some of Australia's best black diamond terrain. The lift will open everyday and for first tracks at 7.30am from Wednesdays to Sundays all season long (snow and weather permitting).

Many of New Zealand’s resorts got a good amount of new snow early in the week. This took the base to 134cm (4.5 feet) at Turoa and 91cm (3 feet) at Whakapapa for example.

Snow Park NZ was the latest resort to open, last Saturday 4 July, with good fresh snow coverage across the terrain park and new features introduced. Night skiing and riding sessions kicked off twice weekly, on Tuesday (7 July).

Mt Hutt reported receiving 50cm (20 inches) of new snow at the start of the week and 74cm (2.5 feet) in the last week and is now boasting a good base of 150cm (five feet) with more snow forecast for the next couple of days.

“Everyone was beaming ear-to-ear today as they skied knee-deep powder,” said Dave Wilson, Ski Area Manager. “Awesome snow falling with little winds has created near-on perfect conditions at Mt Hutt for the school holidays.”