(File image). Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Skiers will be hitting the slopes of Cardrona today as the southern ski resort opens with a mix of artificial and natural snow.
Cardrona and Treble Cone Experiences general manager Laura Hedley said the cold temperatures and snow in Wānaka last month have helped kickstart the season, as well as snow this week.
"It's been cold over the last few days so we've made a bit of snow, we've had a little of natural snow help top it up as well, the team have done an amazing job."
But she said the warm temperatures in early June showed just how unpredictable things could be.
"There is a lot of man-made snow out there but we actually had quite a decent amount of cold temperatures and a bit of snow through May which has helped."
Both the learners' slope and the McDougall's Chondola - part chair lift, part gondola - were be open.
The skifield was expected to be fully open by early July in time for the school holidays, said Hedley.
Its sister resort, Treble Cone, was due to open on 29 June.