Industry News
Winter in New Zealand is coming. A cold snap is expected to bring severe weather and possibly the first significant snowfall of the year for the South Island this weekend, The New Zealand Herald reports.
Ski areas are getting ready.
So far, May has been unusually warm. However, a puff of colder air will allow snow to fall over higher terrain.
Here’s our high-res snowfall forecast.
For more specific high elevation forecasts, head to the @docgovtnz national parks forecast page.
➡️ https://t.co/ZYo5JtRpNg. pic.twitter.com/by3ux9hsEV
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) May 18, 2022
The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence told NewstalkZB that the incoming cold weather could bring 10cm-20cm (4-8 inches) of snow on the mountain, “which is very welcome at this time of year.”
Nigel Kerr, Coronet Peak ski area’s manager, said if temperatures get cold enough the resort would begin firing up snowmaking guns and training crews for the first time this year. On Monday, resort crews transported about 20 snowmaking guns around the hill by helicopter, prepping them for use, NewstalkZB reports.
Meanwhile, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone General Manager Laura Hedley said it was time to “start doing snow dances,” as the resorts are also expecting to fire up their snowguns soon due to the incoming storm. Hedly said that both mountains will start making snow as soon as temperatures allow to build on any natural snow that falls.
Ski season in New Zealand typically runs from late June until the end of September. Cardrona has an expected opening date of June 11, while Treble Cone anticipates opening on June 25.
The incoming storm this weekend is a sign that ski season in New Zealand is just over the horizon, and seeing ski areas fire up their snow guns is sure to get any skier or snowboarder excited for the coming winter.
Will you ski or snowboard in New Zealand this year?
