What a start
Monday June 1, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

Sunny skies and smiles all round were the hallmarks of the opening of the ski season with more than 200 people turning out for the occasionlast Saturday.

It was the first time the mountain had opened in May for more than a decade.

“We have a one metre snow base which is phenomenal for this time of year.  Getting the mountain open early has been a huge challenge for staff but we had a great day today making it well worth the effort,” said Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson as the lifts sprang into action.
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First on the chair honours went to Suzanne Fenwick, Ian Beale, Mike Roberson and Stef Waldon of Christchurch on the Quad.

Michael Borland, Michael Geddes, Benjamin Mort, Lance Cotter, Callum Brooker from Ashburton were first on the Summit Six along with 11-year-old Sophie Sinke of Christchurch.

Drinks flowed for the early birds and glasses raised to toast the 2009 season just on 9am as the chairs opened.
 
Stormy weather closed in on Sunday but has now lifted.

“Saturday's weather was really one out of the bag.  The forecast wasn’t too flash so we were rapt to wake up to a bluebird day, definitely life as it ought to be,” said Wilson.

Mt Hutt is expected to remain open until early October.

See this related story on how the stormy weather has affected other parts of New Zealand and the opening dates of the other resorts.

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