23 Nov 2018

Strange weather allows for skiing in December

9:06 pm on 23 November 2018

After an unseasonable amount of spring snowfall Cardrona Alpine Resort is set to open up for skiing in December.

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"We're embracing what our maunga has given us," says Cardrona general manager Bridget Legnavsky. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton

The resort typically opens in the summer for mountain biking and carting, but these activities will not be available for at least the first few days of December because of the amount of snow.

Recent significant snowfall means the resort will instead be initially operating for beginner skiing, tubing, sightseeing and snow play.

Sightseers will be able to head up on the McDougall's Chondola - a combined lift of gondola cabins and chairs - to play in the snow.

"This is going to be a truly unique summer opening weekend for us and all our visitors - we're embracing what our maunga has given us and we're excited to offer something completely different for the start of December," Cardrona general manager Bridget Legnavsky said.

"The great thing about us operating in both summer and winter is that we have a dedicated year-round staff base who can deliver any experience based on the conditions on the mountain."

- This story was first published in the Otago Daily Times.

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