South Island Skiers Await Snowfall as Weekend Temperatures Plummet

Road Conditions Deteriorate as Snow Falls Across New Zealand – Updates & Travel Advice

Nationwide – August 7, 2025 – A fresh wave of snowfall is impacting travel across New Zealand, prompting warnings and closures on key routes. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, with conditions rapidly changing in both the North and South Islands.The Transport Agency is currently piloting vehicles through a recently reopened section of highway using maintenance vehicles, indicating ongoing challenges with snow clearance. Road users are specifically advised to take extra care on State Highway 79 between Fairlie and the Gudex road intersection.

South Island Hit Hardest

Meaningful disruptions are reported in the South Island. State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass is currently closed to heavy vehicles, and the use of chains is mandatory for all other vehicles attempting to traverse the route.Snowfall warnings previously in place for Arthur’s and Porter’s Passes have expired, but a new warning is active for Lewis Pass until midnight tonight, forecasting an accumulation of 1-2cm above 700 metres.

A striking visual from the Crown Range webcam, shared by MetService, demonstrates the swift change from grassy terrain to a blanket of white, highlighting the speed at which conditions can change. (See MetService tweet embedded below).

️snow!️
Check out the Crown Range webcam going from its usual grassy brown at dawn to a blanket of white!

Keep up to date with our Road Snows: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5

And up to date with road conditions with NZTA.src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@nztacwc pic.twitter.com/sweZQpIf73

– MetService (@MetService) August 7, 2025

North Island Faces Snowfall Risk

The North Island is also bracing for snowfall. MetService has issued a warning for the Desert Road, effective from 4am to 11am Saturday, anticipating snow showers that could impact travel.

Ski Fields Struggle with Warm Conditions

The challenging conditions extend to the ski fields. Several resorts are currently closed, including Mt Lyford, Mt Dobson, Mt Olympus, Hanmer Springs Ski Area, and Fox Peak. While many have opened earlier in the season previously, operators are reporting a lack of consistent snowfall.

Mt Cheeseman is still hoping for further accumulation, while Broken River and Craigieburn remain closed, citing a “lean July and leaner start to August.” Craigieburn specifically noted the challenging conditions,stating they are “not yet in a position to open the field for skiing.”

A Trend of Warmer Winters

This latest snowfall comes against a backdrop of increasingly warmer winters in New Zealand.Data from NIWA reveals that last year was the nation’s third warmest winter on record. Predictions for this winter also pointed towards above-average temperatures and fewer cold snaps. Five of New Zealand’s six warmest winters have occurred as 2020, signaling a clear trend linked to climate change.

Staying Informed

Motorists are strongly encouraged to check the latest road conditions before travelling:

NZTA: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
MetService: https://www.metservice.com/
Road Snows: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5

Evergreen Insights: Winter Driving in New Zealand

New Zealand’s mountainous terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to rapid weather changes during winter. Even seemingly minor snowfall can create hazardous driving conditions. Here are some essential tips for safe winter travel:

Check Conditions Before You Go: always consult the NZTA and MetService websites for the latest road and weather updates.
Carry Chains: If travelling in alpine areas,ensure you have appropriate chains and know how to fit them.
Reduce Speed: Drive slowly and cautiously, allowing

What safety precautions should backcountry skiers take given the potential avalanche risks?

Current Snow Conditions & Forecast

South Island ski fields are holding their breath as a meaningful cold snap is predicted to bring much-needed snowfall this weekend. After a relatively warm start to the winter season, impacting base depths across key resorts, skiers and snowboarders are eagerly anticipating the change in conditions. Current snow reports indicate minimal coverage at lower elevations,with some fields relying heavily on snowmaking.

Here’s a breakdown of conditions as of August 8th, 2025:

Queenstown Area (The Remarkables, Coronet Peak): Limited natural snow cover. Snowmaking operations have been crucial.Base depths are below average for this time of year.

Wanaka (Treble Cone, Cardrona): Treble Cone reporting patchy conditions, while Cardrona has maintained reasonable coverage thanks to extensive snowmaking.

Canterbury (Mt Hutt, porters, Hanmer Springs): Mt Hutt currently has the most consistent coverage in the Canterbury region, but is still hoping for a significant top-up. Porters and Hanmer springs are experiencing challenging conditions.

West Coast (Mt. Cook, craigieburn): Mt. Cook Village is experiencing colder temperatures, but snowfall has been localized. Craigieburn is awaiting ample accumulation.

The Impending Cold Snap: What to Expect

Meteorological forecasts predict a strong southerly front will sweep across the South Island starting Friday evening, bringing plummeting temperatures and widespread snowfall.

Temperature Drops: Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing across most ski field elevations, creating ideal conditions for snowmaking and natural snowfall.

Snowfall Predictions: Forecasts suggest 20-50cm of fresh snow could accumulate above 1500m,with potentially higher amounts in alpine areas. Lower elevations may see sleet or rain initially before transitioning to snow.

Wind conditions: Strong westerly winds are also anticipated, potentially leading to lift closures and challenging conditions for backcountry skiers. Check resort websites for updates.

Impact on Ski Resort Operations

Ski field operators are preparing for the influx of snow and the anticipated increase in visitors.

1. Snowmaking Efforts: Resorts will maximize snowmaking opportunities during the colder temperatures to bolster existing base depths.
2. Grooming Operations: Grooming teams will be working around the clock to prepare slopes for optimal skiing and snowboarding conditions.
3. Lift Status: Monitor resort websites and social media channels for real-time updates on lift openings and closures due to wind or snow conditions.
4. Safety Precautions: Backcountry skiers are urged to exercise extreme caution due to potential avalanche risks. Check avalanche forecasts before venturing off-piste.

Preparing for Your Ski Trip: Essential Tips

Planning a ski trip during variable conditions requires planning. Here’s a checklist:

Layered Clothing: Pack waterproof and windproof outer layers, along with warm base layers and insulating mid-layers.

Warm Accessories: Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a neck warmer to protect against the cold.

Eye Protection: Goggles are essential for protecting your eyes from wind, snow, and glare.

Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be strong at high altitudes.

Check Road Conditions: Be aware of potential road closures or delays due to snow and ice. NZTA provides real-time traffic updates.

* Avalanche Safety Gear: if venturing into the backcountry, carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them. Consider taking an avalanche safety course.

Long-Term outlook for the Ski Season

While the initial part of the season presented challenges, the predicted snowfall offers a positive outlook. The current La niña pattern suggests a higher probability of continued cold snaps and snowfall throughout the remainder of the winter. Though, monitoring whether patterns and staying informed about snow conditions remains crucial for maximizing your time on the slopes.The battery technology advancements, while not directly impacting snowfall, are improving the efficiency of snowmaking equipment, allowing resorts to create more snow with less energy consumption [1].