New Zealand — After a snowy start to the ski season, the faucet ran dry for an extended period at New Zealand ski resorts. This led to bare conditions at the open ski resorts with snowmaking, while the ski fields run by clubs had yet to open for the winter.
However, a small storm came through this past weekend, allowing some ski fields to open up for the season. This included Craigieburn Valley, which opened up on August 10th. While all the lifts opened up, the ski field described conditions as “experts only,” and people who wanted to ski the thin cover needed to be “kind of bonkers.” Unfortunately, most skiers are bonkers, so I don’t think that warning did much to deter them.
While the ski area saw some snow this week, the extended forecast is calling for warm weather. This week, the ski area announced that it will close starting on Wednesday until more snow comes in. Unfortunately, warm weather is expected in the days ahead.
Jokingly referred to as “poor man’s heliskiing,” Craigieburn Valley features a wide array of terrain. Three rope tows service two basins full of memorable terrain with a vertical drop of 500 meters (1,640 feet). The lifts also provide easy access to the backcountry, which has more gnarly bowls and chutes.
Image/Video Credits: Craigieburn Valley Ski Area
