Ski season up and running at last after snowfalls in south

The Remarkables skifield in Queenstown was finally able to open yesterday after snowfalls ended a long start to winter without a decent coating.

Around 700 skiers took to the mountain’s slopes yesterday.

Ski Area Manager Ross Lawrence says it’s a great relief, with conditions looking good for the next week.

He says they would welcome more snow but at least the cold temperatures mean staff can make snow at night.

Lawrence says staff are excited to be up and running.

Coronet Peak and the Remarkables are again open today but with a smaller snow base than the 35 centimetre base at Mount Hutt in Canterbury.

In the North Island, the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields are both open, each with two lifts running and between 45 and 60 centimetre snow bases.

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