Industry News
Ski resorts in New Zealand will reopen tomorrow when the strict lockdown expires at midnight tonight. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today that all of the country, with the exception of Auckland, will move to Alert Level Two.
The entire country re-entered the strictest Alert Level Four lockdown, originally for three days, on August 18th, 2021 in response to the first community covid case since February. The lockdown came just as a storm, “the one we’ve been waiting for,” dumped 16″ of fresh snow on the slopes.
Despite the short notice, most ski areas have announced that they will be reopening tomorrow morning. Fresh snow is in the forecast to welcome skiers back to the slopes.
“The team have been working to ensure the mountains are ready for our guests to return and that we can operate safely following all public health advice. The snow’s in good shape with more forecast later this week so we expect some great spring skiing conditions for the remainder of the season.”
– NZSki CEO Paul Anderson
Under Level Two, restrictions will still be in place, with Ardern saying the country is “not out of the woods” yet. All mountains must comply with the public health guidelines set out by the Government, which include mandatory face coverings in public indoor areas, 2-meters social distancing rules apply, indoor venues are limited to a maximum of 50 people, and it is a legal requirement to check-in at public places such as cafes, restaurants, and hairdressers.
New Zealand has reported 3,813 confirmed cases of covid-19 and 27 deaths with covid.
