For the first time in Cardrona Alpine Ski Resort's 30-year history, the skifield will be relying solely on man-made snow when it opens on Friday.
The skifield announced the season start yesterday, with facilities to be limited to beginner, novice and intermediate terrain. There will be a 20-35cm snowbase but runs will be narrower than normal in some places.
There has not been a significant snowfall since the middle of May, which forced the field to delay its June 24 opening.
The MetService forecast is for rain and norwesters until Friday, then a fine weekend, followed by rain and snow on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
Minimum temperatures are forecast at a relatively mild 3degC until tomorrow, when they should drop to below 0degC and stay there for several days.
Maximums are expected to range between 14degC and 11degC until dropping tomorrow to about 4degC for several days.
Cardrona skifield sales and marketing Nadia Ellis said yesterday the skifield's snow-making team and grooming departments had done a remarkable job preparing the pistes.
"Cardrona's high elevation and south-facing aspect has traditionally meant we've always had reliable snowfall but this year's warmer weather has meant we delayed opening by two weeks . . .
"It's fantastic to now be able to confirm an opening date and it looks likely that we will be assisted with some natural snow over the coming days," she said.
Cardrona's 400 workers have been provided with daily hot lunches and a variety of organised activities in the local area while waiting for opening day.
It had been humbling to see the community extend offers of help to the staff, she said.
"The whole team is thrilled to be starting work and can't wait for the season to get under way." Work will begin on freestyle features as soon as the snow arrives.
Facilities opening include the new 165m-long learner conveyor, an enlarged and improved learners' slope, the McDougalls quad, and the Whitestar Express giving access to the Racecourse and All Nations trails.
