Heavy snowfalls give country's skifields good winter base

Snowboarding on Mt Hutt today. Photo / Supplied

Heavy snowfall over the weekend provided a timely dump for some of New Zealand's ski fields.

At Mt Hutt, 15cm of snow fell on Saturday night and it was today clear with light winds and temperatures just below freezing as skiers and snowboarders enjoyed the powder.

After light rain last night combined with lower temperatures this morning, the snow pack froze, resulting in firm and fast conditions.

Cardrona had 25cm of snow in the past 36 hours. Cloudy conditions on the mountain are set to clear today.

The Arcadia Basin for advanced skiers is due to open to the public tomorrow. Temperatures will to fall -7C tonight with rain and snow lowering to 500m.

The Remarkables Shadow Basin opened yesterday after receiving 15cm of snowfall. The mountain is expected to have more light snow showers later today. Temperatures are set to drop to -7C overnight with 4cm of snowfall, MetService said.

Coronet Peak is open after receiving 3cm of snowfall last night. MetService predicted a mostly cloudy day with snow flurries falling to mid mountain.

In the north, Mt Ruapehu's Turoa is closed today due to a 30cm soft snow base but is expected to open tomorrow. Whakapapa remains open with a 10cm base.

MetService predicted Monday and Tuesday would provide big snowfalls for the south. Conditions would clear for perfect ski conditions in Queenstown and Wanaka from Wednesday through to Saturday.