Ski fields in the South Island are delaying opening or weighing their options as mild conditions means a lack of snow.
It's been a mild start to the season for many operators.
The Remarkables, near Queenstown, said in its latest snow report that a decision on whether it would open on Saturday as planned would be made tomorrow.
"While we haven't had much natural snow yet (although a developing El Nino looks promising for later on) we've finally got conditions to get the snow guns cranking and start making some snow," it said.
Treble Cone was due to open on June 27.
Cardrona Alpine Resort said in a social media post that its ski field near Wānaka had pushed back its opening day to Saturday, June 20, due to the mild conditions.
"Winter slept in by a couple of weeks this year, which meant we didn't get snowmaking under way as early as we'd have liked. So we're taking an extra week to make sure the maunga is ready to welcome you all for another great season."
The warm start to winter and driest May in Christchurch's recorded history have caused difficult snow-making conditions.
Mt Hutt is delaying its planned Friday opening due to the lack of snow. Ski manager James McKenzie provided an update on conditions in a social media post yesterday.
"We're going to need a couple more days of really cold [temperatures] and some snow making, and potentially some natural snowfall, before we can get the season going.
"We're just going to be in a watching brief on this and see how conditions change over the next week or so."
Whakapapa ski field in the North Island opened over King's Birthday weekend at the start of June.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said all operators were poised to move quickly as soon as conditions allowed.
"Our teams are doing everything they can to get winter under way.
"We'll continue to update everyone as the weather unfolds, and we'll open more terrain the moment we have the coverage to do so safely.
"We know everyone wants to get up the mountains and into the season and the good news is that we can see colder weather on the horizon so expect to be fully open in the coming couple of weeks."
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
