Southern Hemisphere 2009 Ski Season Starts Today

Sunny skies, bubbles and smiles all round were the hallmarks of the opening of the ski season at Mt Hutt in New Zealand today (Saturday, May 30).

More than 2000 Cantabrians and visitors to the region turned out to welcome the snow and celebrate skiing in May at Mt Hutt.

The high country ski area opening was two weeks ahead of schedule as a result of early snow coverage.

Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson says it was the first time the mountain had opened in May for more than a decade.

"We have a one metre snow base which is phenomenal for this time of year. Getting the mountain open early has been a huge challenge for staff but we had a great day today making it well worth the effort.Feedback and support from the local Methven community has been very much appreciated – everyone is delighted to be open early. It's a fantastic start."

First on the chair honours, complete with t-shirts, went to Suzanne Fenwick, Ian Beale, Mike Roberson and Stef Waldon of Christchurch on the Quad while Ashburton's Michael Borland, Michael Geddes, Benjamin Mort, Lance Cotter, Callum Brooker were first on the Summit Six along with 11-year-old Sophie Sinke of Christchurch.

Lindauer flowed for the early birds and glasses raised to toast the 2009 season just on 9am as the chairs opened.

Mr Wilson said stormy weather bringing more snow was expected to hit the mountain tonight (Saturday) and Sunday with weather clearing again for Monday.

"Today's weather was really one out of the bag. The forecast wasn't too flash so we were rapt to wake up to a bluebird day. Definitely life as it ought to be today."

Mt Hutt is expected to remain open until early October. Coronet Peak in Queenstown is scheduled to open next Saturday, June 6 with The Remarkables following on Saturday June 20.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

The Queens Birthday weekend is the traditional start to the snow season in Victoria.
Snow seems to be falling today anyway. Hope there is enough for the eager beavers on
Monday. On the news last night, it was mentioned that bookings for Victorian ski resorts
have dropped so far.
The reason?
Swine Flu. We have the largest concentration of sufferers in Australia 951 and counting.
That means cheaper lift tickets and food on the mountains!
A bit callous?
Maybe, but we are in a GFC situation, as well as this health scare. I am smiling, especially
after being out of action for 3 weeks because of flu and viral infection. Back on the bike
and running to be in best shape for the mountains with entire family in tow come July.
Went to a Snow Travel Expo, was impressed with Val D'Isere and Club Med stands. Love those
accents and the Austrians were there as well. A lot of Canadian and American resorts on show,
as well as the Japanese.
GO THE SOCCEROOS qualified for the 2010 World Cup last night in Qatar. :lol:

Vicentus, do not mention that flipping game, i had them to win on an accumalator, they were the only team out of 11 to let me down. £80 returns i had, stupid people. Just out of interest do you have a contact for the Aussie FA???

I was hoping for a win also, with two games now still remaining. I did not wager
this time. Our Dutch coach Pim Verbeek, is a tactician, first of all it seems.
I hope to see them soon in action in Melbourne against Japan.
Snow theme time, it snowed again overnight up at the local resorts. It is falling
4 weeks earlier than last year, thank God!!!!!!!! :mrgreen: :D
By the way I do not know him personally, but Mark Viduka is a neighbour of mine.
Well before he went to Croatia, Scotland and England. Hope he is right for South
Africa, he was the local kid seen everywhere.
GO SOCCEROOS.

On the bike this morning and later on a 5km run, must build up snow sports stamina
and core strength.
Vince

More snow fell yesterday. :mrgreen:
Looking good. :D
New Zealand has the jump on us though!
:cry: