After unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of snow, Treble Cone, the closest ski area to Wanaka and largest on the South Island, opened with only the Platter lift and beginner area on July 11. A staggered opening of the remainder of terrain will require either 48 hours of snowmaking or another substantial snowfall to get going. “We have gone from brown to white overnight and even though this snowfall is exciting there was no base to fall on, so patience is required for a little longer,” said Nigel Kerr of Treble Cone. “There is more snow forecasted from the West, so we are optimistic the wait will not be too long.”

For more information, visit Treble Cone’s website.