So says NZSki chief executive James Coddington, in recounting the numerous hurdles faced by the Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Mt Hutt parent company.
It began with flooding in the vital Australian market of Queensland, tourism fallout after the Christchurch earthquakes and controversy over season pass prices.
Soon compounded by the warmest May on record and Chilean ash clouds, June's third highest temperatures rendered the company's extensive snow-making infrastructure "useless", leaving hundreds of staff jobless.
When cold weather allowed snowmaking in early July, the skifields opened and the heavens followed suit, with the peak Australian school holiday period "highlighted by the most extreme snowstorms New Zealand has experienced in the last 50 years".
Eventually, and arriving with particularly good timing was August's record snowfall, icing the Southern Lakes mountains for the second Winter Games New Zealand festivities.
Once the powder settled, Mr Coddington said he was very happy with July, August and September, over which time the mountains had played host to many "very happy customers".
On this point, he gives credit to the dedication of ski staff, for their efforts in both getting the slopes operating and for their loyalty in waiting for the season to arrive.
He freely admits it was a "tough year financially", especially with hit-and-miss snow conditions leading Mt Hutt to experience its worst season since 1985.
Despite the setbacks and inevitable financial belt-tightening for next season, he said the poor season would not stand in the way of progress.
"Within our industry it's very important that we keep up with technology, and we will keep ensuring we will deliver the very best product next year."
Coronet Peak was scheduled to close this Sunday, October 2.
However, NZSki is today expected to make an announcement on whether it will extend the field's season.
The Remarkables ski area was scheduled to close on October 9. Snow Park will close this Saturday.
Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort will close on Sunday. Snow Farm would just "fade away" for the season as the snow and people disappeared, owner Mary Lee said.
Mt Hutt Ski Area will close for the 2011 season on October 16 but could stay open longer if there are late snowfalls.
The ski area recorded a 1m snow base for the first time last week.
- Additional reporting by APNZ
