WHITE WORLD: Mt Hutt skifield has received a dumping of 62 centimetres of fresh snow in the base area over the last two days.
Relevant offers
Your Weather
Cantabrians may be fed up with the wild weather that has battered the region over the past few days, but skiers will be rejoicing.
The Mt Hutt skifield has received a dumping of 62 centimetres of fresh snow in the base area over the past two days, meaning it now boasts an average base of 180cm.
Ski area manager James McKenzie said the snowfall had created "the best base around the country", with snow now up to 280cm in some places.
"This will make for some sensational spring skiing once spring arrives, but until then we are in mid-winter and these conditions don't get much better," he said.
General manager of operations James Urquhart said it was the biggest snowfall the mountain had seen since 2010.
"It's absolutely covered,'' he said. ''On the first day we got a lot of really good dry snow, but then it warmed up a bit and there was a light drizzle and it became more like spring snow.
''Everyone here is really excited about it. It's a complete whiteout."
Extra staff had worked through the nights to de-ice and clear the snow. The skifield remained shut today, with the road closed to all vehicles.
"The most snow seems to have fallen on the access road. It was five metres high around my truck," Urquhart said.
McKenzie said the weather was predicted to clear from tomorrow, with this weekend looking "great".
Urquhart said many Cantabrians would be out this weekend enjoying the fresh snow.
The Mt Dobson skifield received 50cm of new snow over the past few days, bringing their average base to 200cm.
The nearby Roundhill Ski Area received 45cm of snow during the storm.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Sponsored links
Comments
Rape victim 're-victimised' by system
Programme for troubled teens at risk
Disputed antiques returned to owner
Cantabrians join offshore oil protests
Editorial: Charities must be closely scrutinised
House collapse feared in Redcliffs
Felix taken after identity blunder
Loans to help victims of family violence
Alleged trumpet thief reappears
Bail for Manchester stabbing-accused
House collapse feared in Redcliffs
Bail for Manchester stabbing-accused
No Australian charges for Shirtcliff
Loans to help victims of family violence
US cash for Christchurch rebuild sought
'Extraordinary' threats stop parole bid
Law change needed to save Mackenzie Basin
Crusaders the only bright spot
It wasn't me who scored - Franks
Editorial: Charities must be closely scrutinised
Cantabrians join offshore oil protests
House collapse feared in Redcliffs
Stabbing in Manchester St sex dispute
Furniture-maker seeks quake wood
Early flyers can kip at airport
Rape victim 're-victimised' by system
Plan for $47m precinct in Chch
Christchurch beauty crowned Rose
Disputed antiques returned to owner
