Weather Keeps Popular South Island Ski Operators on Alert The unpredictable weather conditions in the South Island have kept ski operators on high alert as they navigate a challenging season marked by fluctuating snowfall and intermittent closures. Recent storms have brought heavy snow to the mountains, providing a much-needed boost to the ski season. However, the rapidly changing weather patterns have also led to sudden closures and limited access to terrain. “It’s been a rollercoaster ride this season,” said James McNeill, general manager of Cardrona Alpine Resort. “We’ve had some incredible snowfalls, but then they’ve been followed by high winds and rain, which have forced us to close at short notice.” Other South Island ski resorts, including The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, have also experienced similar challenges. High winds and poor visibility have made it unsafe to operate lifts and groom trails, resulting in partial or full closures. “The safety of our guests is our top priority,” said Ross Lawrence, managing director of NZSki, which operates The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. “We have to be prepared to make quick decisions based on the rapidly changing weather conditions.” The closures have had a significant impact on ski operators, who rely on a steady stream of visitors to generate revenue during the season. “It’s been tough financially,” said Hamish McCrostie, owner of Wanaka Snowtours. “We’ve had to cancel or reschedule trips at the last minute, which has disappointed our clients and lost us income.” Despite the challenges, ski operators remain optimistic about the remainder of the season. Forecasters predict more snow is on the way, and they are hopeful that the weather will cooperate long enough to provide visitors with a memorable experience. “We’re keeping a close eye on the weather and doing everything we can to ensure that we can provide safe and enjoyable skiing when the conditions allow,” said McNeill.South Island Ski Slopes Battle for First-to-Open TitleSouth Island Ski Slopes Battle for First-to-Open Title The South Island’s most popular ski slopes are locked in a fierce competition to see who can open first this weekend, as Mother Nature poses a challenge with limited snowfall. All eyes have been fixed on the snowfall, or lack thereof, on the slopes of Cardrona, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Mt. Hutt. Mt. Hutt: Fingers Crossed for Snow Mt. Hutt was scheduled to open on Thursday, but unfavorable weather forced a delay. “We had a bit of rain overnight, so we decided to delay our opening by a day,” said ski area director, James McKenzie. The team hopes for 10cm of snow to settle before Saturday morning. McKenzie confirmed opening the Northwest Express chairlift with main trails and beginner areas accessible. Cardrona: Ready to Roll Mother Nature seems to have cooperated with Cardrona Alpine Resort near Wānaka. Despite recent warm weather, the resort has worked tirelessly to prepare for its opening. Chief executive Laura Hedley said, “We had a very cold May, then a warm start to June, and then it got cold again.” “We have had to turn on our snow guns… and the team has been working 24/7 to get this place ready.” Cardrona confirmed its opening this Saturday with an expected 1,000 skiers and snowboarders to take to the slopes. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak Updates NZSki confirmed The Remarkables will open but only its lower half with conveyor belts. Nearby Coronet Peak has postponed its opening to early next week. Artificial snowmaking has become crucial in preparing the slopes for visitors. Climate Change Concerns Ski industry professionals acknowledge concerns about climate change and its impact on their business. “We are definitely concerned about climate change and the impact on our industry, which is why we are doing everything we can to mitigate it,” said Hedley. Despite the varying snowfall expectations each year, the ski industry navigates additional pressures, including climate change, to ensure a successful season.Weather keeps popular South Island ski operators on alert Heavy snowfall and strong winds have forced the closure of several popular ski areas in the South Island, with operators on high alert as the bad weather continues. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, near Queenstown, were both closed on Thursday due to the severe weather conditions. Cardrona Alpine Resort also closed its mountain, while Treble Cone remained open but with limited terrain available. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the company was closely monitoring the situation and would make a decision on Friday about whether to reopen Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. “The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority, so we will only reopen the mountains when we are confident that it is safe to do so,” he said. MetService meteorologist Andy Best said the South Island could expect more heavy snow and strong winds over the next few days. “A cold front is expected to move over the South Island on Friday, bringing with it more snow and strong winds,” he said. “The snow is expected to settle above 400 metres, with some areas receiving up to 20 centimetres of snow.” Best said the strong winds could also cause problems, with gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour expected in some areas. “The strong winds could make driving conditions hazardous, so people should take extra care if they are travelling,” he said.