More bad news for ski field operators
Ski season delays have created issues for workers and operators alike - and the latest news is a blow for all.
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It’s more bad news for ski field operators, as NIWA’s latest report predicted mild conditions until late winter this year.
Ski fields have delayed their opening dates, with some South Island ski workers unable to work because of a lack of snow, getting assistance, such as free meals, from the Salvation Army.
NIWA predicted above-average temperatures in the North Island and Nelson-Marlborough; near or above-average in the west and south of the South Island; and near average in the eastern South Island, for July to September.
Cold snaps typical of winter would occur from time to time.
Seasonal rainfall was likely to be near normal or below normal in the north of the North Island and the west and south of the South Island, and near normal in all other regions.
NZ Ski, which operated the Mt Hutt, Remarkables, and Coronet Peak ski fields, had spent "tens of thousands of dollars" to feed 250 Coronet Peak workers for the past few weeks, according to NZ Ski chief executive James Coddington.
Coronet Peak opened on Thursday.
Ski workers were not paid, as they could not work.
“We will continue feeding our staff for a week after we open, ” Mr Coddington said.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts opened its Turoa ski field this week and Whakapapa was expected to open this weekend.
Hazel Phillips
Thu, 30 Jun 2011
Thu, 30 Jun 2011
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More bad news for ski field operators
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