Before we get into the nitty gritty of how it’s looking for the weekend there are a couple of items that need your attention %%First Name%%,

Firstly, if you are in the Southern Lakes, or can be, and you think it would be cool to ride with one of New Zealand’s snow sport stars, then check this out. Jossi Wells (Freeski) at Cardrona, Shelly Gotlieb (Snowboard) at Snowpark, and Mitchey Greig (Alpine/Freeski) at Coronet, are auctioning themselves for half a day to ride with you . You don’t have to be an expert to ride with them but it probably helps if you can ‘get around’. Proceeds from the auction go to Snow Sports New Zealand, the National Sporting Organisation for snow sports, to support sport development programmes for stars in the making.

Porters is going big!! And not just Canterbury big, we’re talking International Alpine Resort. The Porters Team are currently working through a submission period relating to a proposed plan change to the Selwyn District Plan. Thanks to all of you who have already submitted your support for the change. They have asked the Selwyn District Council to rezoned a section of land from ‘Rural High Country’ to become designated ‘Ski Area’. This is a zone type that has been used in Queenstown and Wanaka for some years. Full details of the request for change that has been lodged are obtainable through the Selwyn District Council. Porters need you to ' Help Make it Happen '! To make a submission in support of the proposed plan change, please make an online submission, or fill in a manual submission when visiting Porters Ski Area over the next four weeks.

As this cold front passes over the country from the west there will be strong winds to those areas exposed to the west and snow falls to carpark levels in many areas. Don't expect much accummulation as any snow will be wind affected. There will be a brief respite early tomorrow but this will not last as another cold front moves across the country ahead of an approaching low pressure system. There will be now-west winds until the low passes over the South Island on Saturday. Once the low moves into the Pacific it will cause unsettled weather to move onto the south and east of the country until late Tuesday.

Ruapehu will get a predominantly unsettled westerly flow across the mountain. It’s going to snow all weekend, becoming heavy tomorrow morning. The winds will ramp up on Saturday to gale force, ease on Sunday but then turn to the south and strengthen again into next week. The snow level (lower than the freezing level) will hover on or just above carpark level.

The South Island’s can be broken into two regions; the Southern Lakes and, from the Mackenzie north. The north region will get strong northerlies tomorrow with strong to gale nor-westers on Saturday with snow falls. Sunday is the day to head to the mountains for some freshies before the second part of the storm brings heavy snowfalls to low levels on Monday and Tuesday. The Southern Lakes in is for northerly snow on Saturday and then heavier snow, accompanied by stronger southerly winds on Sunday once the low passes into the pacific. Note that last week the situation changed overnight, please check the forecast tomorrow on Snowco.

Get into it, have fun and be safe.

We have put together an extensive events calendar to help with everything winter. Check it out here .

Congratulations to Alan Bell who was the winner of the 4-run Southern Lakes Heliski, good work mate and enjoy...

Our '2010 Cr*ppiest pair of skis' photo comp courtesy of Nordica is in full swing and looking well lets say cr*p - With plenty of entries so far… comp closes end of August so still a chance to post your own shot. Post one here .

Win yourself a cool looking Maze Neon Green Horrorgami Helmet courtesy of Smith Optics and the guys at Sportive

Last but not least don't forget the mean Japan Ski Holiday up for grabs courtesy of DiveFishSnow Travel. This could be your last chance to enter as the competition closes Tuesday August 31st...

Enter HERE now and good luck!

See you on the Snow

THE SNOWCO TEAM

Phone: 04 472 0330
nzXsports.com
P.O Box 1395
Wellington