Snowfall Timely For Mt Hutt Ski Area
A timely snowfall has transformed Mt Hutt ski area into a winter wonderland - with two weeks to go to the mountain's
projected opening.
Around 30cm of snow has fallen at the Canterbury ski area, which has often held the record as the first ski area to open
in Australasia.
Manager David Wilson said the snow was "an excellent start" with the ski area scheduled to officially open on Saturday
June 7.
Snow fell consistently from around 4pm on Thursday May 22 through to the early hours of Saturday May 24. The mountain's
snowmaking team also fired up snowmaking guns for the first time this season on Friday night.
The snowmakers focused on adding to snow coverage on the beginners area near the base lodge. "The snowmaking team has
been training all this week, so this is just perfect timing with colder temperatures," Mr Wilson said.
"They're on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to make snow the moment the wet bulb temperature, which is
a combination of air temperature and humidity, reaches the right level."
Mr Wilson said Mt Hutt has been receiving regular snow falls since early April.
"We hope that pattern continues for the many skiers and snowboarders we'll be seeing this year.
"We're looking forward to opening and expect to see many regular snow enthusiasts make their way up to enjoy the
beginnings of what we're sure will be a fantastic ski season."
'First On The Quad' T-shirts, complimentary bubbly, prize giveaways and fun activities are scheduled for opening day
from 9am.
Coronet Peak ski area in Queenstown is also scheduled to open for the 2003 season on June 7.