Snow fans rejoice - we're in for an epic winter

This season is shaping up to be a very frosty winter, especially on the South Island, with several major snowfalls to low levels already.

There has been so much early snow this year that Cardrona Alpine Resort, between Wanaka and Queenstown, opened two weeks early for a weekend preview to celebrate. With more than 90cm at the base building and everyone is excited for the upcoming skiing season.

For the past week, many parts of Central Otago, including Wanaka, have been blanketed by a thick cloud inversion, a low, dense cloud that sits above the town, almost like a fog, at the start of winter, obscuring the sun for days.

Combined with very cold temperatures and thick hoar frosts, the mood has matched the weather: gloomy. But you just have to head to a higher elevation to get above the inversion and winter temperatures. With the surrounding snow-capped mountains peeking through the mists, it couldn't be more stunning.

READ MORE:
* There's plenty to do in New Zealand's winter playground
* Stargazing from Cardrona opens up a world of wonder
* Five reasons to appreciate a snowstorm

While the town was cold, the weather up at Cardrona was sunny and warm, with no wind and great snow conditions. The vibe was relaxed and happy, with people stoked that their winter wish had come true.

Cardrona's official opening date this year is June 16, and people are already working hard to ensure everyone can take advantage of what's shaping up to be an epic snow year on the Mainland.

The Southern Alps already look like they usually do at the height of winter. If you're considering a ski holiday, or learning to snowboard, this will be your year.

To kick off the epic Southern Hemisphere winter, the Queenstown Winter Festival starts on June 21 and runs until June 24 and nowhere in New Zealand is quite as iconic as Queenstown and the heart of the Southern Alps. From shredding the slopes during the day, to looking down over the bright blue waters of Lake Wakatipu at night, if you're after a picture-perfect winter holiday, head for the hills with your skis, warmest puffer jacket and favourite beanie.