Industry News
Over the weekend, Mt. Hutt in New Zealand’s Canterbury region has experienced a remarkable snowfall of approximately 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). This takes the current snow base at the top of Mt. Hutt to an estimated 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) and the lower base to 50 centimeters (1.6 feet). However, the exact snowbase is currently hard to establish, as wind drifts have created stacks of well over 2 meters (6.6 feet) in places—a record for the first week of May.
While snowsport enthusiasts welcomed the early, abundant snow, lower areas experienced severe flooding in the Canterbury region. Destructive winds caused damange to roofs and powerlines and resulted in power outages in 1,165 hourseholds in Wainuiomata, Kelson, Belmont, Avalon, and Epuni.
Mountain crews at Mt. Hutt are busy clearing access roads and digging out lift terminals and will start packing down the resort’s main trails. Opening day at Mt. Hutt is not scheduled until June 13, however, mountain operations has been hinting at potentially bringing the opening day forward, stating on the resort’s website, “If the weather keeps playing nice and that base is as good as it looks, well… we might just bring opening day forward. No promises, but things are looking pretty tasty up here.”
Such early-season snowfalls are uncommon for Mt. Hutt. Historically, the average snowfall during the first week of May is around 5 cm (2 inches), with less than one snowy day typically recorded. Therefore, this recent event stands out as a significant anomaly in the resort’s climatic patterns.
The 2025 ski season at Mt. Hutt is scheduled to commence on June 13, 2025, and conclude on October 12, 2025. Given the recent snowfall, preparations are underway to ensure the resort is ready for opening day, including clearing around lift terminals and conducting necessary safety checks.
Mt. Hutt is located in New Zealand’s South Island, approximately a 90-minute drive west of Christchurch. The resort boasts 365 hectares of skiable terrain, catering to all skill levels with 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 30% advanced slopes. Its lift system comprises five lifts: an 8-seater high-speed chairlift, a 6-seater high-speed chairlift, a fixed-grip 3-seater chairlift, and two surface conveyor lifts, ensuring efficient access across the mountain. With a summit elevation of 2,086 meters (6,843 feet) and a vertical drop of 683 meters (2,241 feet), Mt Hutt offers expansive views over the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. While there is no on-mountain accommodation, the nearby town of Methven, a 35-minute drive away, provides a range of lodging and après-ski options.
- Related: Eager Riders Stay Overnight at Mt Hutt, NZ, to be First to Ride New Chairlift on Opening Day
