More snow was expected this weekend, with a winter storm forecast to bring high winds, snow to low levels and rain to inland Otago and Southland.
But skiers relished the 25cm of snow which has fallen on Cardrona since Wednesday on top of a 15cm base of man-made snow, but just the beginners areas, the McDougall Quad and the Whitestar Express are operating for now.
The Treble Cone ski area remained shut yesterday and snow continued to fall throughout the day. The field had a 35cm base yesterday afternoon and will have a limited opening of the platter lift and beginners area tomorrow.
The Snow Farm also got more snow but is not yet formally open, although season pass holders with their own skis were permitted to use the trails, owner Mary Lee said.
The Snow Park opened with limited facilities last week, and has also received fresh dollops of snow since Wednesday and is continuing to make snow.
Road conditions were icy and treacherous yesterday, with chains essential on mountain passes.
The Pigroot was closed for over three hours yesterday morning after a truck jack-knifed near Pigroot Creek, 36km from Palmerston in East Otago.
New Zealand Transport Agency coastal Otago area manager Roger Bailey said the 50mm-70mm of snow on the ground did not represent a "huge" amount, but the weight of the trucks had compressed the snow into ice.
The Lindis Pass (971m above sea level) and the Crown Range mountain pass (1076m) were both closed on Thursday night and reopened yesterday morning, with chains essential, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council and New Zealand Transport Agency advisories.
The Haast Pass (562m) was closed by snow again last night and the Milford road, between the Lower Hollyford turnoff and Milford Sound, was also closed.Clear skies and jubilant skiers featured when Cardrona Alpine Ski Resort opened for the season yesterday morning, but the weather closed in at noon, bringing more snow to the mountains and rain to Wanaka township.
More snow was expected this weekend, with a winter storm forecast to bring high winds, snow to low levels and rain to inland Otago and Southland.
But skiers relished the 25cm of snow which has fallen on Cardrona since Wednesday on top of a 15cm base of man-made snow, but just the beginners areas, the McDougall Quad and the Whitestar Express are operating for now.
The Treble Cone ski area remained shut yesterday and snow continued to fall throughout the day. The field had a 35cm base yesterday afternoon and will have a limited opening of the platter lift and beginners area tomorrow.
The Snow Farm also got more snow but is not yet formally open, although season pass holders with their own skis were permitted to use the trails, owner Mary Lee said.
The Snow Park opened with limited facilities last week, and has also received fresh dollops of snow since Wednesday and is continuing to make snow.
Road conditions were icy and treacherous yesterday, with chains essential on mountain passes.
The Pigroot was closed for over three hours yesterday morning after a truck jack-knifed near Pigroot Creek, 36km from Palmerston in East Otago.
New Zealand Transport Agency coastal Otago area manager Roger Bailey said the 50mm-70mm of snow on the ground did not represent a "huge" amount, but the weight of the trucks had compressed the snow into ice.
The Lindis Pass (971m above sea level) and the Crown Range mountain pass (1076m) were both closed on Thursday night and reopened yesterday morning, with chains essential, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council and New Zealand Transport Agency advisories.
The Haast Pass (562m) was closed by snow again last night and the Milford road, between the Lower Hollyford turnoff and Milford Sound, was also closed.
