Wānaka’s two downhill ski areas are open for the school holidays, while the area’s cross country ski area is still awaiting more snow. 

Treble Cone was initially scheduled to open on June 24 and a week and a half later staff have “managed to build a run”, according to the skifield’s latest update.

A cold front was expected to bring fresh snow over the past weekend, but by Monday afternoon (July 3) there was just 20cm of snow at Treble Cone’s base and 40cm on the saddle.

Cold weekend temperatures did allow for good machine snow-making.

“Our intention is to open tomorrow morning with Triple Treat groomed, although thin and narrow at the bottom,” Treble Cone announced this evening (Monday July 3).

“Upper Main Street will be open for ungroomed adventurous exploration”, while the Platter will be closed.

Cardrona Alpine Resort partially opened on June 17 with the McDougalls Chondola lift running and, due to lack of snow, it is the only lift which has opened on the field this season.

Today (Monday July 3) it was closed due to wind. 

Snow Farm was due to open last Friday (June 30) but it made the decision mid-way through last week to push that date back.

“We will be opening as soon as possible after we get enough snow,” Snow Farm said in a statement.

The Snow Farm team has been working hard to get its temporary base building ready for when the snow, and the visitors, do arrive. 

After delays to the construction of its new base building, the cross-country field’s users were facing a winter without any facilities.

However, after “tireless work” from the team, it has a building that features a main ticketing and boot rental area with some tables and chairs, a disabled and family toilet, and private indoor changing facilities for children, as well as a new carpark.

In a statement Snow Farm warned there would be “minimal indoor space for relaxing” and asked visitors to be prepared with a packed lunch and a fold-out chair.

PHOTO: Jake Rudd