Mt Hutt ski area in New Zealand has opened a week later than planned, today Friday (June 13).
Thanks to a cold weather front that has hit the region this week, the mountain now has a good covering of snow and is “all systems go”.
Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager James McKenzie welcomed the colder temperatures and said there was “a great buzz” in the nearby ski resort township of Methven.
“We’ve received around 30cm at the base and 40cm at the top of the mountain – and it’s still snowing. This is the weather everyone has been waiting for,” said Mr McKenzie.
“The snow we’ve received is nice and dense and puts us in good stead for the season because it will form a great base.
“Current cold temperatures will consolidate the snowpack and enable us to top up our base with snowmaking at every opportunity before Friday.
“It was a tough decision to delay our scheduled opening a few days ago, but we believe it was the right choice. Now we’re looking forward to a fantastic opening day celebration on Friday with plenty of snow.”
The Summit 6 and Quad chairlifts will both be open on Friday accessing intermediate and advanced terrain as well as some off trail terrain. The Magic Carpet will be open in the beginners’ area for learners to get their first taste of fun on the snow.
The all new Sky High Terrain Park will also open with some small features to help skiers and snowboarders get their ‘freestyle legs’ back in action.
Coveted ‘First on the chair’ T-shirts will go to those waiting for their season to start at the Summit 6 and Quad chairs, while Amisfield bubbles will help the celebrations along.