Snowfall Timely For Mt Hutt Ski Area

Snowfall Timely For Mt Hutt Ski Area

A timely snowfall has transformed Mt Hutt ski area into a winter wonderland - with two weeks to go to the mountain's projected opening.

Around 10cm of snow has fallen at the Canterbury ski area, which has often held the record as the first ski area to open in Australasia.

Manager David Wilson said the snow was "an excellent start" with the ski area scheduled to officially open on Saturday June 7.

Snow has been falling consistently for 24 hours from around 4pm yesterday (Thursday May 22) and the mountain's snowmaking team is hoping to fire up 35 snowmaking guns tonight.

The snowmakers will focus on adding to snow coverage on the beginners area and main Broadway trail. "The snowmaking team has been training all this week, so this is just perfect timing with colder temperatures," Mr Wilson said.

"They're on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to make snow the moment the wet bulb temperature, which is a combination of air temperature and humidity, reaches the right level."

Mr Wilson said Mt Hutt has been receiving regular snow falls since early April.

"We hope that pattern continues for the many skiers and snowboarders we'll be seeing this year.

"We're looking forward to opening and expect to see many regular snow enthusiasts make their way up to enjoy the beginnings of what we're sure will be a fantastic ski season."

'First On The Quad' T-shirts, complimentary bubbly, prize giveaways and fun activities are scheduled for opening day from 9am.

Coronet Peak ski area in Queenstown is also scheduled to open for the 2003 season on June 7.

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