Early snow coating for skifields a reminder winter’s on its way
THE first significant snowfall of the year has coated the mountains of the Queenstown Lakes District over the past two days.
Residents woke to a dusting on the tops yesterday morning, but that became a solid coating by this morning after snow continued to fall throughout yesterday.
Snow flurries fell to 900m on the summit of the Crown Range Rd, giving motorists an early taste of winter, and also covered the region’s skifields.
Cardrona Alpine Resort communications executive Jen Houltham said more than 30cm had fallen on the base area by yesterday afternoon and was ‘‘still going’’.
The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said about 10cm had fallen, and extended down to the 4km mark on its access road.
The skifield normally got snow once a month during the offseason, but had gone without during the hot January and February.
‘‘It’s come back with a hiss and a roar.’’
Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr said it was still ‘‘dumping down’’ yesterday afternoon, with about 10cm settling around the base area.
It had been snowing at the top of the mountain since Wednesday, but he had resisted the temptation to go for a look because of the wet, slippery conditions.
‘‘It’s a good reminder that winter’s on its way.’’
Treble Cone ski area could not be reached for comment.