A wintery blast has delivered one of the biggest snowfalls of the season so to ski areas around Queenstown in New Zealand.
31cm of snow (just over a foot) of snow had fallen at The Remarkables base building by 3pm today (Wednesday September 7), and Coronet Peak had received 15cm and counting. Snow at both mountains continues to fall heavily and steadily.
The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence says snow has blanketed trails with wind-blown powder pockets off-piste.
"Visibility's been variable and wind conditions are definitely wintery, but those up here are wrapping up warmly and enjoying some great powder with at least another 10cm still to come in this evening's forecast," he says.
"We may well see more snow flurries into tomorrow, and Friday's looking likely to be a bluebird day with the best winter snow you'll see in spring!
"It's not unusual for September to lull us into enjoying spring conditions and warmer temperatures then hit us with a reminder that winter's still got a sting in its tail."
NZSki is the operator of both areas and their CEO Paul Anderson says the new snow couldn't have come at a better time for those who've already bought the company's Spring Pass,
"Spring skiing's traditionally about bluebird days, T-shirts, less crowds and maybe a cheeky chill out session at one of our stunning Ice Bars," he says.
"Today's weather might not quite fit that picture, but it's giving us that perfectly-timed top-up of chalky winter snow."
The ski season is likely to last for about a month more at both areas, in to early October.