Mt Hutt ski area reschedules opening to Saturday

June 11 2015

Mt Hutt ski area reschedules opening to June 13

Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area has announced it will delay its opening, scheduled for tomorrow (Friday June 12), due to strong winds predicted in the weather forecast.

The ski area is now scheduled to open on Saturday (June 13).

The forecast for tomorrow shows strong gusty Westerly winds set to blow hard from dawn to dusk.

Ski area manager James McKenzie said the mountain operations team had a “high degree of confidence” that wind would affect lift operations if they opened tomorrow.

“Saturday is looking much better and we’d rather start the season with everyone enjoying themselves out on the slopes instead of having to shelter in the base lodge,” he said.

“It’s very disappointing for us and our staff as we’re ready and raring to go, but Mother Nature hasn’t been playing ball. We’ve been knocked around by some pretty horrendous weather this past week. It’s been warm, wet and then very windy, all of which has had an impact on our natural snow base.

“On the plus side, we’ve had some fantastic success with snowmaking on the main trails in the run up to the season.

“Our groomers have been spreading out huge man-made snow piles to create a pretty respectable 30-40cm base on Highway 72, Broadway and the Learners Area.

“Higher up on the mountain, Fascination and Morning Glory are in good shape also but unfortunately most of the snow on the Summit Road has been swept away by wind.

“Our snowmaking focus is now to build up this route from the chairlift at Summit Six to the start of these trails.”

As soon as opening is confirmed, Mt Hutt will release details of trails and facilities to open.

ENDS

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