Southern Hemisphere Kicks Off

Sat 10 June 06

Mt.Hutt in New Zealand and Falls Creek in Australia opened today and next week its the turn of the South American resorts

New Zealand

Mt Hutt 10th June 2006 Boarders at Mt Hutt in New Zealand can look forward to an average snow base of 20 – 30 centimetres across the main trails following a succession of snowfalls and ideal snowmaking conditions.

Ski area manager Dave Wilson said that the mountain would open from the summit which had not been achievable for over 15 years.

“The Summit Six express chair from base to the top of the mountain, the Quad novice chair and magic carpet will all open on Saturday. We expect most people will stay on the groomed trails, but there is also a limited opportunity for off trail skiing and riding.”

In keeping with tradition, Mt Hutt's opening will be celebrated with bubbles served courtesy of Lindauer, and the first people on the quad and Summit Six chairlifts will receive the coveted ‘First on the Chair 2006’ T-shirts.

Mr Wilson said the ski area had a great team of people raring to get the season underway.

“We’ve got excellent conditions for first timers to get in early and learn to ski or ride and there is no better way to learn than on the Magic Carpet”

Whakapapa/Turoa are due to open next friday (16th June) complete with a new 4-seater charilift - the Tennants Express which is part of a NZ$30million 2-year redevelopment of Mt.Rauapehu

Australia

Falls Creek became the first resort to open its door this season in Australia when it opened today (10th June) but there's f*ck all snow to be found. The resort has managed to generate enough to cover the Mouse Trap magic carpet area, but thats about it (ask you can see from this shot)

Long Range Forecaster, John Moore, is predicting a reasonable fall (between 15-20cm) late Saturday early Sunday ... so pray.

Argentina

Las Lenas has been getting plenty of good snow as it prepares for its opening on the 16th June

Chile

Valle Nevado and and Portillo are looking good for the new season, starting a day later on the 17th June

Huge August Snowfall in Swiss Alps, Argentina & NZ
Powder alarms for Cervinia, Saas Fee and Zermatt with up to 45cm of snow in 24 hours. Burton New Zealand Open Halfpipe finals in New Zealand. Snow keeps falling in Australia. Up to a foot (30cm) of new snow in Argentina. Mt Hutt, New Zealand Snow Depth hits Two Metres after 19cm Fall So Far Today. -18Aug10
World Snow Update - 5th August
Up to 8cm of fresh snow in the Alps. Big snowfalls up to two feet/60cm in 48 hours - In Australia. More Snow In Chile and Argentina. Warming up in Africa -5Aug10
Fresh Snow On Both Sides Of The World
Up to 10cm of fresh snow in the Alps. Record Snowmaking In Australia. Heavy Snow In Chile and Argentina. Fresh snow in New Zealand. Summer ski season ends on Canada. -31Jul10
Heavy Snow in Southern Hemisphere
Heavy snow in Australia. A dozen ski areas open in the Alps battle high temperatures on their glaciers. Deep powder in Chile. -18Jul10
Fresh Snow for the resorts still open
More Snow Forecast For France as four remaining resorts open prepare for final weekend of 09-10. Fresh snow in Scotland where one resort plans to open at weekends through May. New pre-season snowfalls and lower temps in Australia and New Zealand. Heavy snowfall on glacier ski areas in Austria and Switzerland, continuing to the weekend. -5May10