Two new TF10 snowguns and another 300m of trench added to Ohau Snow Fields' snowmaking system are aiding preparations for opening day on June 27.
Stage two of Ohau's three-stage snowmaking plan was completed over the summer and autumn months.
About 4.3km of 1.5m-deep trench now on the mountain contains not only large water and air pipes, but also electricity and communications cables.
Managing director Mike Neilson is happy to see some good early snow.
''We're in ... excellent shape,'' Mr Neilson said.
About 70cm of fresh snow blanketed Ohau last week, before 160kmh winds hit on Friday.
• Across at Awakino skifield near Kurow, a good base of snow has also formed.
''Over the next few weeks we will be checking out conditions and finalising the last few things prior to opening next month - aiming for the weekend of July 18-19,'' Waitaki Ski Club secretary David Campbell said.
At this stage, the club planned to open most weekends from mid-August to mid-September, and towards the end of August to for one or two weeks, or long weekends.
Depending on the weather, Mr Campbell expected ''great spring skiing'' later in the season, when Awakino was ''at its best'' once the wind had filled in the ''gullies and natural snow traps''.
Several projects had been completed over the summer and autumn, including fixing towbelts, culvert replacements, work on the ridge tow and snow fencing.
