Yet another 25cm (10 inches) of fresh snow yesterday (Sunday 24th) and temperatures hovering just below zero means that Mt Hutt is on course for it's first May opening this millennium with the New Zealand resort still reporting mid-winter conditions that have lasted throughout May and a base depth of one metre (40 inches).
It's the best early snow the ski area has had in decades, according to Dave Wilson, Ski Area Manager for Mt Hutt.
"We've got awesome snow conditions so have decided to open early for some May skiing. But it's been a big call to make," he said. "There are huge logistics involved in opening a ski area ahead of schedule. We need to ensure our suppliers can meet our deadlines, go through all of our health and safety checks and ensure we have enough staff to provide the best possible snow experience from opening day. A lot of staff have changed their plans to get here early which is humbling. We're also bringing in staff from our sister mountains (Coronet Peak and The Remarkables) in Queenstown to help us out."
Mt Hutt received more than 170cm (nearly six feet) of snow in the first fortnight of May and has had regular falls since. For non-New Zealanders there's an added benefit to heading south of the equator this year – the lowest prices for many years as well as the great snow, because the New Zealand dollar has fallen by more than a third against the Euro and the US Dollar and is even down against the British pound.
Mr Wilson said the Summit Six Chairlift, the Quad Chair and the Magic Carpet would be operating for the early opening and that the Triple Chair would open in the following weeks, snow dependant.
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