Been up the slopes yet %%First Name%%?

The school holidays are half way through and if you're barking mad with cabin fever by now in the North Island we are not surprised. If you are in the South Island then you need to get out from under the low cloud more. Either way if were thinking of getting “up the mountain” soon, this weekend, or as late as next Tuesday, will be the go.

The upper mountain on both sides of Ruapehu should be good after this storm passes. Hopefully we will get some freshies at the end of the storm and failing that the grooming departments on both sides have been doing a great job. The Whakapapa Mini Games are coming up next Tues & Wed at Whakapapa. This is an event for children 5 - 12 years of age, where any child that can stop and turn will be able to compete in all the events. Kids of all abilities and skill levels are invited to enter and enjoy the fun free day out on the Mountain.

The snowmakers are making a huge difference at Rainbow with only 25cm on the ground the pistes are looking fine. Contrary to this on the other side of the mountains in Northern Canterbury, Lyford has had an abundance of snow and have some of the best off-piste riding in the country right now. This shows that most of the snow has come from the north-east this season so far.

If you’re up Hanmer Springs way this weekend, (or even if you’re not) Hanmer Springs Ski Area are having a free weekend the 10th and 11th July. All kids 15 and under ski for free, no terms or conditions just good fun!

The big two in Canterbury have good snow conditions on piste but it is a little lean and hard off piste. Similarly the club fields are praying to Ullr for the next big dump to booster their snowbases. Further south in the Mackenzie it hasn't snowed for two weeks but the snow is holding up really well due to the temps have remained below freezing for almost all of the time until recently. A little moisture today will either consolidate the powder or add some wetter snow on top.

The Southern Lakes areas have been experiencing a dream run with the conditions.... until today, but that will pass over pretty quickly. The conditions are damp though so there may be a rain crust at certain altitudes off piste after this front passes. Check out the riming on the TC camera!

School holiday programmes at many of the ski & board area will kick off with a vengeance again once the weather clears. As we mentioned, there is a large high approaching that will bring settled conditions leading into the weekend and for the early part of next week. Get out of the house these holidays and take the kids skiing or boarding. Conditions are fine, on-piste and all but a few areas. There is plenty of snow to go around.

Get into it, have fun and be safe.