Warm weather has put paid to Treble Cone Ski Area's plans to open for the season tomorrow.
Chief executive Jackie van der Voort announced yesterday afternoon it had been decided to postpone the start of the season because of unusually warm temperatures.
She said the unseasonal weather pattern had resulted in insufficient snow cover across the saddle basin and there was limited snow-making in the home basin.
"Operational staff are monitoring the forecast closely, and are hopeful for snow in the near future.''
The field's weather forecast yesterday was for 11mm of rain last night followed by a moderate fall of snow, heaviest tomorrow morning.
Ms van der Voort said despite the lack of snow, more than 180 hospitality, ticketing, snow sport instructors and operational staff underwent a training programme last week.
"With all mountain and snow-making staff on standby, Treble Cone is ready to open at the earliest opportunity.
"Everyone is raring to go.
"We understand it's hugely frustrating for both customers and staff but Mother Nature doesn't always work in our favour.
"We will open as soon as we're physically able.''
Treble Cone is the South Island's biggest ski area, with the longest vertical run of Wanaka and Queenstown skifields.
It carried out a $1million upgrade of its home basin express lift over the summer and imported two new grooming machines.
