Former prime minister and Snow Farm patron Helen Clark is set to officially open the Nordic ski area’s recently completed base building later this month.

The occasion marks a significant milestone for Snow Farm – the only public, not-for-profit, charitable ski facility in the region – and follows a record-breaking July, with the ski area hosting thousands of skiers over the school holiday period.   

Snow Farm general manager Sam Lee says the new 180sqm base building is a welcome addition, and he is looking forward to celebrating the ski area’s latest achievement with Helen. 

The former PM, an avid cross-country skier, also opened the Snow Farm’s Musterer’s Hut in 2022.  

Sam said a huge number of people have contributed to the new base building, which is a ‘central hub’ for Snow Farm operations containing space for rentals, ticketing guest services, a small food and beverage operation and a staffroom.  

Construction took place between last December and mid-June.

Construction of the base building began in December 2023 and was signed off on June 20, 2024.

The overall project cost $750,000 and represents an amalgamation of donations from Otago Community Trust, Central Lakes Trust and private donors.  

“It has been a collaborative effort with the community over the past two years to raise the funds needed to build this new facility, with many people pitching in,” Sam said.

“The opening ceremony allows us to take a moment to acknowledge the generous contributions and celebrate the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes to make this possible.”

The new base building is stage one of a five-year project for Snow Farm.   

“With the initial building infrastructure now in place, we look forward to collaborating with council to provide additional amenities such as publicly accessible toilets – a vital community asset for the summer months when Snow Farm is closed – and when the Waiorau Reserve huts and trails are still accessible to hikers,” Sam said.

“Beyond that, we plan to extend the existing base building, to include educational spaces for the growing number of schools from around the South Island, which are travelling to Snow Farm for on-snow lessons and experiences.”  

The formal opening will take place on Sunday August 25 at 12pm. 

Kai Tahu kaumatua Darren Rewi from Queenstown will begin the official proceedings with a mihi whakatau and karakia to bless the new building.  

PHOTOS: Snow Farm