Featured Image: Roy Ace Schott, Courtesy of Treble Cone | Skier: Jess Hotter
We’ve all seen the staggering snow reports from South America this winter. In the last eight weeks, the Andes Mountains have seen a nearly unprecedented start to the season. But in all the hype, confusion and excitement, we cannot forget that there are still other areas one could venture to source turns this time of the year. Yes, it’s time to check in with the Kiwis!
New Zealand has long been a freeride skier’s paradise, with events like the Mount Olympus Freeride Open having garnered legendary status thanks to its history. The playful terrain, jagged peaks and packed powder snow have produced a variety of uniquely talented skiers, such as Sam Smoothy, Finn Bilous and of course our expert witness today, Jess Hotter.
Hotter has become one of the world’s most well-known freeride skiers, even claiming the overall Women’s Ski World Champion title in 2022. Much of her prowess and creativity can be credited to the conditions that riders face in New Zealand. As a local of Treble Cone, one of N.Z.’s most respected mountains and the biggest resort on the South Island, Hotter gave us the inside scoop on what this season has been like down south.
While they certainly haven’t received the same amount snow as parts of Argentina and Chile have this winter, New Zealand has seen a few froth-worthy storms thus far. Hotter told us that the conditions, while sparse, have been overly enjoyable –
“We were lucky enough to be blessed by the snow gods a couple of weeks ago, with a solid 50cm to get us up and running. The storm came in a bit wet down low but it stuck well and was great base-building snow. Since then, things have been cold and dry and the skiing has been surprisingly good.
School holiday crowds are usually very hectic here, but the busy season has been really relaxed. We’ve been rolling into the car park at the leisurely hour of 10 AM without a queue in sight. The general story from all locals, when they return from the ski fields, is that they had a way better day than what they expected and the snow was a lot of fun.
It may be low tide out here but even if we’re planning to only ski for a couple of hours, we somehow delete most of the day without a second thought. All things taken into consideration, I would give the skiing a 6 out of 10 on Yelp. Things could be better, (we could be skiing tits deep pow,) but damn it could be a lot worse!”
Overall, our takeaway was that Kiwis know how to keep the vibes high. There’s no use in complaining about how you wish there were more snow. Unless you’re making a lavish offering to Ullr, get off your bum and enjoy those turns! Blue skies and chalky snow can produce some of the best memories. And you don’t have to take it from us. Check out the photo gallery with recent images from Treble Cone to relish in the good times on the South Island.
Editor’s Note: Hotter made sure to add a disclaimer, stating that the information she provided, “relates solely to the Southern Lakes Region and Mt. Hutt. Anywhere else in the South Island is currently trash. Bring crampons. North Island is also reporting bony conditions!”
To learn more about current conditions at Treble Cone, be sure to visit their website HERE.
For updates and snow conditions in New Zealand, check out Open Snow, FREESKIER’s trusted source for all things winter weather.
Photo Gallery
Images: Roy Ave Schott, Treble Cone Resort
