Summer snowfall keeps resort closed

CARDRONA

CLOSED due to snow . . . in summer.

Yesterday morning staff arrived to find 8cm of snow on the ground and more fell during the morning before turning to rain.

Since 2015 Cardrona Alpine Resort has opened in the summer for mountain biking, walking, hiking, stargazing and mountain cart operations.

Communications executive Jen Houltham said an afternoon blizzard at the top of McDougalls and more snow expected overnight meant it was unlikely it would open today but they would ‘‘reassess in the morning’’.

MetService communications meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the unsettled conditions which brought snow to Cardrona were set to continue for the next two days.

On Thursday the atmospheric conditions would start to warm and the heaviest precipitation would then move away.

Friday marked the end of belowaverage temperatures. Another front was forecast to cross over the lower South Island on Saturday, bringing a brief period of rain, Mr Ferris said.

PHOTOS: GEOFF WAYATT Unexpected . . . Cardrona Alpine Resort summer staff arrived at work yesterday morning to find 8cm of snow on the ground.

Summer blizzard . . . There was a glimmer of sunshine as snow fell thick and fast on the summits at Cardrona Alpine Resort yesterday.