Industry News
Some of New Zealand’s biggest ski areas have begun revealing their plans for the upcoming ski season regarding when, and how, they will open.
The season will begin for locals only, and with strict social distancing measures implemented. The potential for the country to open its borders to Australia in mid-July may lead to some tourists. Visitors from further afield will not happen this season.
NZ Ski CEO Paul Anderson wrote a message to pass holders and posted on their website:
We know you’ve all been holding out to hear our plans for the 2020 season now that New Zealand is moving into level 2 tomorrow.
We are still working with the government on our plans for how we will operate safely under level 2, thinking about things like physical distancing and gatherings, contact tracing, and cleaning and hygiene.
This planning process has really brought the ski industry together. We are stoked to be working with other resorts around New Zealand, so our industry has a solid and aligned approach to operating at level 2 for the 2020 season. We’re all committed to making sure we keep our guests and staff safe this winter.
We are hoping to get clarification from the government in the next few days which will allow us to confirm our plans for what winter will look like on our slopes this year. When this happens, we look forward to sharing more details.
Social media posts by NZ Ski gave more details of what might be ahead for the three resorts. Mt Hutt will open mid-June, initially for three days a week. From 1st July they hope to increase that to five days.
Coronet Peak is looking to the end of June for their opening, for seven days a week. The Remarkables will also open daily from the beginning of July.
- Related: New Zealand Ski Areas Will Be Allowed to Open When Alert Level 2 is Announced (Currently Level 3)
New Zealand is currently at Level 3 of its 4 phase lockdown. Ski resorts will be allowed to open when the country enters Level 3 which is anticipated to be mid-May.
New Zealand has had 1,147 confirmed coronavirus cases and 21 deaths.
