New Zealand’s 2024 Season is “Clopen”

New Zealand’s 2024 season proper was due to have gotten underway at two ski areas today, but unfortunately neither could open. However one of them, and two others, should open tomorrow, Saturday 15th June.

Coronet Peak, in what it called, “Not the news you’d been hoping for” it reported on Thursday that despite some natural snowfall and the heroic efforts of snowmakers, they didn’t quite have enough snow to open yet. Mt Hutt had hoped to open, but weather today, including rain (now turning to snowfall overnight), prevented it from doing so.

“Round two for an opening will happen tomorrow! We will call today “Clopen” day. Closed but was meant to be open.” Mt Hutt promises in its snow report today.

Unless there are any changes from the cancelled Friday plans, when it does open, hopefully, tomorrow, with, hopefully, fresh snow lying, Mt Hutt says main trails of Nor’west and its Magic Carpet lifts will be running.

It should be joined by two other centres that had planned to open on Saturday. Cardrona Alpine Resort is opening tomorrow and says it will have both of its learner conveyors and 'select runs' off the McDougall’s Chondola operating.

“First chair will be up for grabs for those who are up bright and early! The mountain will open at 8.30am, but eager skiers and snowboarders will be lined up well before then!” said a resort spokesperson.

The Remarkables also plans to open their learners area with the Tahi, Rua and Shorty conveyors.

“We will look to open more terrain and lifts as snowmaking and weather allow,” a resort spokesperson said.

The first turns in New Zealand this year have already been made at a very limited opening of terrain at Whakapapa’s Happy Valley area on Mt Ruapehu on the country’s North Island at the start of the month.