Mt Cook Mackenzie snowfall bodes well for winter

Mt Cook Mackenzie snowfall bodes well for winter

A week of consistent snowfall in New Zealand’s Mt Cook Mackenzie region has created outstanding conditions for the launch of this year’s ski season.

Last Thursday (27 May), Mt Dobson had its biggest single dump of snow since 1986, reporting between 1m to 1.2m in the carpark alone. With a snow base of 130cm, it’s likely the mountain will open earlier than its scheduled 1 July launch date.

The recent snowfall also bodes well for Roundhill which is launching big mountain skiing this year. Roundhill has always been popular for its family-friendly beginner and intermediate runs but its new rope tow, the world’s longest and steepest, will now open up access to some of the biggest terrain in Australasia. Advanced skiers and riders will be able to experience the thrill of challenging big mountain terrain through the amazing steeps, chutes and big wide open spaces of The Two Thumb Range. Roundhill is scheduled to open on Saturday 3 July and has a snow base of approximately 1.2m.

Ohau ski field currently has 75cm on the upper mountain and final preparations are underway for opening day on Saturday 26 June. Its laidback, friendly atmosphere is particularly popular with southerners who often book a dinner, bed and breakfast package at Ohau Lodge and enjoy a great social day up the mountain. With mains power now running to the ski field, skiers and boarders will be able to check out snapshots of the mountain’s conditions every 10 minutes on Ohau’s website.

The snow tubing park at Alpine Springs is scheduled to reopen on 3 July and is bigger and better this year with a longer, wider, higher and faster state-of-the-art snow slope. The snow tubing slope is the perfect complement to the other popular activities in the Alpine Springs complex which houses outdoor hot pools, an international size ice skating, ice hockey and curling rink, and a boutique day spa.

Serious powderhounds can enjoy the ultimate in backcountry skiing and boarding with unique Southern Alps adventures like glacier skiing and heliskiing.

For guaranteed fresh tracks, deep powder and no queues, heliskiing is the ultimate exhilaration. The Mt Cook Mackenzie region is home to a number of heliskiing companies which provide exclusive access to some of New Zealand’s highest and most challenging terrain as well as stunning picture postcard scenery.

Small groups of intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can also take an unforgettable journey down New Zealand's longest glacier with Southern Alps Guiding or Alpine Guides. At 27km long, the Tasman Glacier offers up plenty of opportunities to explore ice caves and seracs, amazing ice features sculpted by the elements.

The various backcountry adventures are scheduled to start on 1 July but are likely to be earlier due to fantastic snow conditions.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie is delighted with the recent snowfall and says it was perfect timing.

“This has set us up to launch the season with a bang. The landscape is looking stunning and the snow has provided the ski areas with great coverage for opening. Hopefully we’re on track for a bumper winter season.”

For more information about winter holidays in the Mt Cook Mackenzie region visit www.mackenziewinter.co.nz

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