Recent snowfalls have prompted a very early beginning to the ski season for one South Island skifield.

Mt Hutt is set to open on Saturday, making it the first skifield in the southern hemisphere to open for the 2009 season and it’s the earliest opening for any New Zealand skifield in a number of years.  
More than a metre of snow fell earlier in the month, giving the field a good all over cover and an excellent foundation.

A week later Coronet Peak is set to open. 7 days following that, 2 Canterbury skifields, Mt Lyford and Mt Dobson are opening their fields, weather permitting.

Most operators in the south have their start dates in place with June being a popular choice and early July is likely for the remaining skifields.In the North Island, Whakapapa and Turoa are looking at an opening slot in late June.

Weather forecasts this weekend indicate a southerly pushing through Canterbury for the long Queens Birthday weekend.
A few showers are expected along eastern foothills but should steer clear of Mt Hutt and many skibuffs have their fingers crossed that the sun will break through on opening day.