Winter snow coats the slopes of Canterbury’s Mt Hutt

A “great” first night of snowmaking and natural snowfalls means winter has started for Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area.

A drop in temperatures down to as low as minus 8 degrees at the top of the mountain allowed ski area staff to crank up the mountain’s extensive snowmaking system.

Ski Area Manager James McKenzie explained “we had up to 3cm of natural snowfall then it was ‘all guns blazing’ including our new snowguns hot out of the container that arrived from Italy on Friday.

“Our snowmaking team battled strong winds to get the new guns in place over the last few days, complementing our existing arsenal. By 3am this morning the system was at full bore, producing three tonnes of snow every minute spread across our main trails.

“It’s been a great first night and our snowmaking team’s delighted to see the arrival of cold temperatures and blow ‘mild May’ into touch.

“Everyone’s really excited to see snow on the ground and it’s looking really positive for continued cold temperatures and more snow as we track into the weekend.

“We can definitely draw a line under warm May temperatures and say that winter has finally arrived with a vengeance.”

Canterbury locals keen to hit the snow are encouraged to pick up their season passes early from Cheapskates in Christchurch.

Passes are available for collection all this week, with McKenzie saying “now’s the time” to get ready for the snow, adding “if you’ve already got your pass you can head up to Mt Hutt and straight onto the slopes when we’re open for business.”

Mt Hutt is scheduled to open on 10th June for the 2016 season.

Images (courtesy Adam Preston): Snowmaling at Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area (top), snowmaker Harry Blunden (middle) and snowmaking underway at Mt Hutt ski area (below).

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