Winter snow prompts extended New Zealand's ski season

New Zealand is set for an unparalleled trans-seasonal ski period this year, with predictions that its ski-fields will remain open and operational up until mid-October - setting the scene for spring skiing at its finest.
After a slow start to the 2011 ski season, New Zealand has enjoyed an abundant snow-fall throughout winter's latter months leaving ski fields in both the North and South Islands in extraordinary shape for an extended season.
A large portion of this snow-fall is the direct result of the country's heaviest snow storm in 50 years which occurred in mid-August, coating ski fields, across the country, with more than a metre of pristine, white snow.
The spring ski-season also aligns perfectly with the Rugby World Cup 2011, which runs for six weeks from 9th September, with tournament visitors having the unique opportunity of supporting the action on the rugby field and enjoying some of their own action on the ski field.
NZ Ski Chief Executive James Coddington comments "we have been thrilled with the support of Australians this season, and expect to see more Aussies on the slopes in spring as they add another layer of excitement to their Rugby World Cup experiences."
Further complementing the snow-fall, each ski destination across New Zealand has a distinctive character, off-piste activities, a fun and diverse apr�s-ski scene and a range of accommodation to suit any traveller, on any budget.
For more information on New Zealand's ski destinations and their season opening and closing dates go to

http://www.newzealandski.co.nz/new-zealand/2011-opening-closing-dates