With no natural snowfall for two weeks, Southern Lakes skifields have all snow guns blazing as mountain-goers continue a wait for snowy weather.
The last snowfall across Southern Lakes mountains was a timely dump on June 23 - immediately before opening days at Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Snow Park, and which brought Queenstown's open fields, the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, 10cm and 30cm respectively of fresh powder.
Skifields across the region are relying on snow guns and frosty temperatures to keep the snow cover in good condition for holiday crowds.
Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said there was still good skiing across the entire mountain.
"The snow cover has held up well.
"After the last couple of frosty nights, we have been able to fire up the snow guns and top up with new snow overnight, so there is a velvet-like surface to ski or board on," he said.
The Remarkables skifield is north-facing, but is saved from snow-melting conditions because of its higher elevation with the base building at an altitude of 1622m.
The Remarkables assistant ski area manager Ed Bezett said the colder temperatures this week had improved snow conditions since the weekend.
"There is still very good snow over the entire area, and even some good off-piste skiing to be had.
"With a couple of weeks without fresh snow, there are hardly any untouched lines to be found," he said.
Pisa Range cross-country facility Snow Farm has been open since mid-June, with nordic trails requiring less grooming and snow-making operations than alpine fields, general manager Mary Lee has said.
MetService's 10-day forecast is for the fine weather to last until at least next Tuesday, when snow on the mountains is predicted.
