Manganui Ski Field in New Zealand gets the prize for first ski resort to open in the Southern Hemisphere for the 2018 season.  Nearly 200 skiers showed up for opening day at one of smallest and most affordable resorts in the country, including 81 year old Peter Quinn who had this to say:

“Most people don’t do anything in the winter, just sit on their bums and do nothing. That’s why the hospital is full of sick people.” 

Wiser words may never have been spoken. Congratulations to Manganui Ski Field opening up first, the rest of the major NZ ski resorts should be operational in the next few weeks according to TVNZ.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....