Wintry Storm Dumps Snow Across NZ South Island Ski Areas (23-Jun-08)

NEW ZEALAND SKI, June 23, 2008 - 25 centimeters of fresh snow at Mt Hutt

25 centimetres of fresh snow at Mt Hutt, 15 at the top of Coronet Peak and 10 at the peak of The Remarkables are among the early results of wintry storm fronts currently dumping snow across New Zealand’s premier South Island ski areas.

NZSKi ski areas Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt are each welcoming the fresh snow which has fallen to lake level in Queenstown and blanketed the valleys around Methven.

NZSki CEO James Coddington said the timing was fantastic with the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival set to open in Queenstown on Friday (June 27) followed by an official new building opening of the $30million redevelopment at Coronet Peak on Saturday and Sunday (June 28 and 29).

“We have a huge weekend planned and delighted to have Mother Nature join the party with fresh snow.  The cold weather is also bringing the right conditions for snowmaking which means our 200+ guns can add to nature’s bounty.”

Skiing and riding at Mt Hutt has been excellent since the high country ski area opened on June 14, but Ski Area Assistant Manager James McKenzie says the top up is very welcome.

“Everyone loves freshies and Mt Hutt is the most awesome place to ski on a powder day.  The keen are braving cold and enjoying optimum conditions.”  

The storm that hit the ski areas over night and this morning is one of a series expected to bring snow and icy temperatures to the South Island for the rest of the week.