Ski-field set to open lower slopes

MARK DWYER/ Taranaki Daily News

SNOW FLAKES: Swiss tourist Regula Hofer took her time checking out Mt Taranaki in its full, white glory yesterday - the mountain currently has a snow base of between 20 and 40cm.

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Taranaki's Manganui Ski Field could be the first in the country to open this winter.

Ski-field operators are looking at opening the lower and learner's slopes and the t-bar as early as tomorrow after the heavy dumping of snow Mt Taranaki received at the weekend.

Yesterday the mountain and the Pouakai Ranges were dressed in white, signalling a cold winter ahead.

Stratford Mountain Club safety services convener Todd Cations-Velvin says as long as the weather clears up the slopes will open.

"They were looking at opening the ski-field today but the rain has sort of put things off," he says.

The snow has come in early and there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure everything is ready to operate and set to go, Mr Cations-Velvin says.

The mountain currently has a snow base of between 20 and 40cm as well as another 12cm from Sunday night.

If the weather clears up and the snow stays put the lower mountain and the learners slope will be open for tobogganers, skiers and snowboarders.

Mr Cations-Velvin says if it does open it will be a lot earlier than in previous years. "If we do we will be the first to operate in New Zealand.

"We get a light dusting of snow around this time of year but it's just that there is quite a bit. It has definitely come in a lot heavier for this time of year," says Mr Cations-Velvins.

In the South Island staff at Mt Hutt, with a 110cm snow base, were considering an early opening.

The ski area had had more than 170cm of snow over the past 10 days.

Assistant ski area manager James McKenzie said they would know tomorrow whether it was feasible to open, after considering health and safety and logistical issues.

In Central Otago, both Cardrona and Treble Cone have 30cm bases on the upper runs, while Coronet Peak and The Remarkables have bases of more than 50cm.

Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said snowmaking was due to start about May 25.

At the North Egmont visitor centre yesterday, Swiss tourist Regula Hofer was filling her digital camera up with photos of a picturesque mountain.

Miss Hofer has been in New Zealand for two months and leaves for Switzerland in two weeks time.

"I was going to take a walk," she said, studying the white desert which was filling rapidly with snowflakes.

"But now, maybe not."

- © Fairfax NZ News