Mt Hutt to open on Saturday - two weeks early

"We've got awesome snow conditions so have decided to open early for some May skiing," said ski area manager Dave Wilson.  "But it's been a big call to make. There are huge logistics involved in opening a ski area ahead of schedule."

 

"A lot of staff have changed their plans to get here early which is humbling," he explained. "We're also bringing staff from our sister mountains (Coronet Peak and The Remarkables) in Queenstown to help us out."

 

The Summit Six Chairlift, the Quad Chair and the Magic Carpet will be in operation for the early opening and the Triple Chair will open in the following weeks, conditions allowing. 

 

Those of you heading to Cardrona will have to wait until June 26 to get your snow fix. Despite having 120 cm of snow, the team say they're not ready to open before then. Extreme weather conditions this month have made it difficult for the operations team to carry out the necessary health and safety checks needed every season. They also need to complete training for their 400 staff, many of whom aren't in the area yet.

 

But with the snowfall so far, it sounds like it's going to be a great season - well worth the wait!