Ski season meltdown
by Carmen Stella
Avid snowboarders and skiers in the South Island are facing a dry run on several ski fields this year.
Small ski fields in the South Island, such as Canterbury’s Mt Hutt and Porters Ski Area, are off to a slow start because there has simply not been enough snow to open all the of ski areas.
Expectations were high that this year’s snowfall would equal last year’s record-breaking ski season, but so far, disappointed skiers and snowboarders have faced the prospect of a snow-less playground.
Snowfall throughout July has been minimal, with barely over 4cm falling at any one time. Compared to the same time last year, when most New Zealand fields had bases of 3 m of snow.
Several South Island slopes are now having to get by using artificial snow-making machines, and if the usual mid-August snow dump does not arrive, ski fans might have to think of other ways to appease the snow gods.
Recent warm weather has not helped the cancellation of bookings at South Island ski lodges, and snowboarders staying in-doors as it has caused defrosting on already bare slopes.
If the season does not pick up, snowboarders might be forced to pack their bags and head to Australia.
New Zealand has been renowned for attracting Aussies to our mountains, but as Australia begins to enjoy one of the best seasons in many years, the tables may have to turn.