Industry News
It’s early autumn in the southern hemisphere and roughly three months until the first ski areas are set to open for the 2024 season. Early snowfall first fell on March 4, delivering five inches at the Cardrona Ski Area. After a few weeks dry spell, three more inches of snow has dropped on the ski area.
As the season approaches, the stoke is growing high for skiers and boarders in New Zealand. Images of the freshies are blowing up on social media, Cardrona hopped in on the fun showing off its early snowfall. Although snow is dropping in New Zealand, at this point in the year, it melts away quickly.
Cardrona typically sees 115 inches of snowfall each season and often opens in June. The ski area announced it would open the slopes on June 15 this season. However, Coronet Peak and Mt. Hutt are expected to kick off New Zealand’s 2024-2025 ski season on June 14.
Other areas in the southern hemisphere such as Australia and the Andes of South America have been recording snowfall over the past few weeks. However, in a recent study by the University of the Sunshine Coast Australia, it is predicted that Australia and New Zealand will see the largest reduction in snowfall of all regions across the globe by the end of the century. For most modeled scenarios, Australia and New Zealand, in particular, they found the average snowfall will decrease by 78% and 51% respectively. These were the two regions with the greatest losses of snow.
Cardrona Ski Area by the Numbers
- 1,969 vertical feet of skiing
- 465 hectares (1,149 acres)
- 9 lifts, including 3 surface lifts
- 5,479-foot base elevation
