Although the coming weekend is set to be the last for almost all of the few still-open ski areas in the southern hemisphere at the end of the 2019 season, one New Zealand area has announced plans to remain open on “fine weekends” in to November – late spring in the southern hemisphere.
Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu will stay open daily for the rest of this month, then weekends in November. The other Ruapehu ski area, Turoa, will be open for at least one more week.
Elsewhere it is believed to be the final weekend of the season fort the last area still open in the Andes, Catedral in Argentina, and the last still open in Australia, Perisher (which got fresh snow last weekend, pictured below).
New Zealand has had a mixed season with limited snow cover at many areas in June and July, delaying the season start fort some, and then frequent stormy days or other issues impacting smooth operations over the past few months.
“This season has been particularly challenging due to weather. We are grateful for your understanding and patience this winter. To thank you for the continued support, we are going to open the Valley T Bar for skiing and riding 10am-2pm during fine weekends all November,” a resort statement reads.
Use of the lift will be free to 2019 or early purchased 2020 season pass holders.