(PR.co.nz) After severe weather delivered 230mm of near-freezing rain falling in the base area in just 48 hours, temperatures at Mt Hutt plummeted last night (Wednesday) and rain turned to snow with 20cms of the white stuff falling on the existing 15cm base.
Assistant Ski Area Manager, James McKenzie, said the conditions were as severe as any staff had seen in many years but the resulting snow was very welcome in the lead up to the ski season.
“The base had taken a real hammering from rain but there is a real buzz amongst the Mt Hutt staff because the snow has just transformed the conditions,” he said. “We have yet to venture out past the top of the Exhibition Quad chair due to low visibility and deep snow drifts – there’s a good chance that its been snowing at the top of the mountain over the last few days – we can’t wait to see how things are looking up there.”
Heavy snow is forecast for the Canterbury ski area over the next three days and the mountain staff are looking at their options to ensure that preparations for opening continue to plan.
“We’ve transported our team to the base area on snow cats this morning and made sure they’ve packed their bags for a couple of nights up on the mountain.”
Mt Hutt opens on the 12th June with numerous summer improvements ranging from new mountain signage, a state-of-the-art lift access/pass system, Magic Carpet tunnel in the learners’ area and a café refit.
“It’s a very exciting time for our crew with all of our summer projects nearing completion and the arrival of great snow – the scene is set for another epic start to the winter snowsports season at Mt Hutt.”
Media Release 27 May 2010 from fourcorners.co.nz