By Stacey Bodger
OHAKUNE - Relieved Ohakune business owners were yesterday fielding phone calls from impatient skiers eager to find out when they could get on the slopes.
A chilly southerly blast straight from Antarctica dumped decent snowfalls yesterday and Monday, leaving 10cm at the base of Turoa Ski Resort on Mt
Ruapehu and strengthened a well-frozen base on its upper skifield.
Staff at Turoa, which was almost wrecked financially after eruptions and several warm winters, began smiling as snow started to fall on Monday. They were even happier yesterday after reports that 20cm to 25cm of fresh snow had fallen higher up the mountain on top of a 30cm base.
The resort marketing coordinator, Vanessa Thomas, said the skifield would open its lower mountain facilities today.
The manager of the Powderhorn Chateau hotel, Alistair Craig, said the phone had "rung hot" yesterday. People from all over the North Island had been inquiring about the snowfall, and booking accommodation.
"Once they hear there's a whiff of snow, it's a mad rush - but we're most ready for it."
Frank Broadbent, real estate agency and Post Shop owner, said the snowfall had lifted the town, but residents were realistic that the new snow had to take hold. If further cold fronts forecast for next week deliver more snow, upper Turoa fields should open within a week.
Further round the mountain, Whakapapa marketing manager Mike Smith said the snowfall had allowed groomers to begin work on its upper skifield for the first time this season.
The skifield has been operating its lower fields since late last month. It hoped to open upper slopes this weekend but unless more snow fell, this was likely to take another week.
Snow on Monday night closed the Desert Rd yesterday and traffic was diverted on to State Highway 49 through Ohakune and National Park.
