New Zealand — Is New Zealand’s ski season going to begin much earlier than usual? It’s got people wondering as one ski resort has brought their snow groomers out to shape the slopes.
Last week, New Zealand’s ski industry saw some autumn snowfall, which led to a fresh coating of snow at most mountains. However, one ski resort on the South Island saw so much snow that they could open soon for skiing and riding.
Mt Hutt received a few feet of snowfall from the snowstorm last week. After the storm, Mt Hutt’s team successfully mobilized personnel and marveled at the amount of snow. Their ultimate tally was 1.2 meters, or around 3.9 feet of snow. Yeesh.
One complication of these opening efforts is how New Zealand ski industry operates. When New Zealand ski resorts receive major snowfall, it could take days to open due to most employees living below in the towns and villages, not at the ski resort. With these areas typically having no trees either, the wind drifts can cause major snow piles. This means they not only need to prepare the ski resort (which includes avalanche mitigation), but also the access road. In Mt Hutt’s case, getting ready includes plowing the dirt & gravel access road. As shown in the photo below, clearing the road can be a challenge.
Will Mt Hutt open early? It’s still uncertain, but this snow has become a very good base builder for the New Zealand ski resort.
Image/Video Credits: Mt Hutt
