New Zealand — While it’s been an underwhelming ski season for New Zealand, one ski field just saw a big snowstorm that led to the reopening of a terrain zone for the first time in three decades.
This week, Mt. Lyford Ski Area received a major dump, with 50 cm (around 20 inches) received in the Main Basin. This storm cycle allowed the ski field to do something it hasn’t done in thirty years.
This week saw the debut of the Stella Basin Rope Tow, which was rebuilt during the 2024-25 offseason. The prior iteration of the rope tow last operated in June 1995, meaning it’s been three decades without lift-serviced skiing there. This lift is situated on the road to the main ski area, with the rope tow being next to the Lake Stella Mountain Retreat.
The 600-meter-long rope tow made its debut on Wednesday, but getting it open wasn’t easy. Crews had to clear out up to two meters of snow at spots that covered the rope tow. This opening gives skiers and riders two more basins to explore, along with some tree skiing.
Situated on Mt. Terako, Mt. Lyford Ski Area features a variety of terrain for every ability level. The ski season at Mt. Lyford typically runs from mid-June to late September. On the way up the gravel access road to Mt. Lyford Ski Area on Terako is Lake Stella, which was the original home of the ski area.
Image/Video Credits: Mt Lyford Ski Area
