Cardrona confirms opening date

Cardrona Alpine Resort has confirmed it will open for the season on Saturday, June 13, a week earlier than last year.

Two of the field's new snow groomers are pictured moving some of the new snow.

It had been planned to open with beginner slopes only, but heavy snowfalls and good snow-making conditions mean other parts of the skifield will also be available.

''Weather patterns and freezing levels leading up to June 13 will determine which facilities will be confirmed as operational on opening day,'' general manager Bridget Legnavsky said yesterday.