Another quick update this week, uneventful, but not! No appreciable new snow, but with new C-19 cases, a move to Level 2 for all ski areas, for the first time.
Some new snow around the country, but not the accumulation everyone was looking for sadly. It has to be said, this has been a very warm winter so far … The big news however has been Covid-19 and community transmission, meaning a move to Level 3 in Auckland and Level 2 around the country. That has meant a huge change for the areas, with capacity management and many other operational changes, we summarised those yesterday.
The really big impacts are capacity management. At the larger areas, after certain car parks are full, that’s it. If you ski Ruapehu, if you haven’t got a car park booked, you may not be able to visit. Seems harsh, but that’s our Covid reality. Having said that, they have said if car parks are available on the day, they will operate on a one-in, one-out basis. And, if the car parks are full you may need to look at booking a shuttle but capacity may be effected during Alert Level 2. That says to us, if you don't have a park booked, it's too risky to go. Do you think?
We keep saying this, we’re into August and still saying “opening soon” for some areas. Still in Canterbury it’s the Mt Hutt/Porters show, with all club fields still needing more snow. Temple basin is now saying Aug 22, but, the snow ... Manganui in the North the same.
It’s not looking ideal, as in it’s looking fine for the next few days across the country, with weather starting to kick in Wednesday.
Anyway, here’s our best guess!
Ruapehu. Light to moderate Sou’west thru Sou’east Friday thru Sunday, turning light Monday until Tuesday, weather starting to kick back in Wednesday. Best weekend day, both Saturday and Sunday should be great. Best midweek day, Monday or Tuesday.
Canterbury. Clearing Friday morning the fine and light winds until Monday. Tuesday the NW picks up and remains for the week. Best days, Saturday thru Monday, should be mint!
The Mackenzie. Same deal as Canterbury mostly. Best days, Saturday thru Monday, Fine and no wind.
Wanaka and Queenstown. Fine with light NW Friday turning W Saturday with light to moderate NW through to Wednesday. Best weekend day, Saturday or Sunday. Best midweek day, Monday or Wednesday.
Overall, weather starts moving in Wednesday/Thursday next week and lets cross all our fingers and toes for snow!
Check out what Pete Oswald is doing, ski for trees ...
We’re keeping it brief this week, let’s also hope the Covid thing doesn’t change and areas can stay open. Be well.