It was a hate-you, love-you kind of day in Wanaka yesterday as the town was variously lashed by rain and whipped by northwest winds, with brief sunny reprieves in between.
The good news is today could be a good day for powder-snow buffs, weather permitting.
Up to 50cm of snow fell on Treble Cone skifield in the 36 hours to 4pm yesterday, and other skifields have also received generous snowfalls.
Treble Cone closed the Saddle Basin yesterday because of the rough weather but the Main Basin was open.
Although the snowstorm disrupted skifield activities, Treble Cone acting managing director Tim Hudson was thrilled with the 2m snow base on the upper mountain.
"We have had an incredible season.
The Saddle Quad hasn't surpassed the 2m mark since '94," Mr Hudson said.
Cardrona Alpine Ski Resort was open but snow also fell throughout the day.
The Winter Games NZ skier-cross final was delayed several times during the day before a decision was made mid-afternoon to call it off.
At one stage, Cardrona staff closed the skifield access road.
Cars not carrying chains were turned back.
It was blustery on both slopes, the northwest winds reaching at least 30kmh on the lower slopes of all skifields and about 70kmh at higher levels.
And for those who rejoice in spring snow storms, the MetService five-day forecast is promising.
All six Southern Lakes skifields in Wanaka and Queenstown will continue to receive falls of snow (but be affected by wind) through until tomorrow.
There will be rain on Sunday before conditions clear briefly on Monday afternoon.
Another snowstorm packs in from Tuesday next week.
High winds affected many of the main highways throughout the southern region yesterday and the New Zealand Transport Agency website listed several cautionary advisories.
Roads affected by snow included State Highway 94 (Lower Hollyford to Milford Sound).
Roads affected by high winds were SH8 (Fairlie to Twizel); SH80 (Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook); SH1 (Milton to Balclutha); SH73 (Springfield to Arthurs Pass).
Winter conditions exist on all Otago roads and chains must be carried on all alpine passes.
Chains were compulsory on the Crown Range pass at various times yesterday.
