New Zealand — There are many parallels between the grittier ski areas of the United States and New Zealand’s Craigieburn Valley. These ski areas feature not-so-modern lifts, gnarly terrain, and a devoted fanbase. In addition, if the conditions aren’t ideal, they aren’t going to bullshit their customers into thinking that it is.

On Thursday, Craigieburn Valley announced that it’s opening for the season on Saturday, August 3rd. In a move that reminds me of many honest Mad River Glen snow reports, the Craigieburn crew described the many existing hazards on a thin yet powdery base. Limited terrain will be open off the two upper rope tows. Craigieburn Valley recommends that beginners don’t show up to ski this weekend due to the limited snowpack, but they did welcome them up to have a pint and hang out.

TLDR: Core shots are on the menu.

As people say, honesty is the best policy.

Image/Video Credits: Craigieburn Valley

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Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...