There are certain places in the world that immediately come to mind when you think about skiing. Countries like Austria, France and Switzerland are top of the pile in Europe. And across the seas you’ll also think about American locations and those in Canada.
But what about Australia and New Zealand?
Most people wouldn’t even consider these two countries as being ski venues, let alone get as far as booking a holiday there for that purpose. But according to recent news reports online the ski season in these two countries is just about getting started.
The key to enjoying a good time in this part of the world is to know what to expect though. It would appear that some areas have a lot more snow than others. It obviously pays to go up into the mountains as much as you can, and it has to be said that some of the pictures from some areas are sporting less snow than you might expect.
Australian resorts appear to be the worst off. While they have had some snow, it could be said to be a dusting or light covering rather than being anywhere deep enough to actually ski on. It hasn’t stopped people celebrating and getting outside to make the most of it though.
This is why two main methods of snow making have been put into place at various venues in Australia. The first is snow making, where huge machines have been bought to create the snow that the elements are having trouble with. And secondly organised cloud seeding also goes on. This basically encourages the clouds to make more snow than they would otherwise. It is tampering with Mother Nature really, but the Australians don’t mind because it leads to more snow falling for them to ski on.
Over in New Zealand meanwhile, things are rather better. Whereas pictures have been released of a sparse fall in Mt Hotham in Australia, they’re talking about snow falls of more than a metre in various places in New Zealand. Many resorts on New Zealand’s North Island are looking to open at staggered intervals throughout June.
Some people can’t wait of course, and that means getting started on the slopes across the North Island before the season gets started properly. Judging by the snowfall that has already come down, and that which has been predicted to fall in the near future, this could be one of the best years for skiing in New Zealand for quite a long time.
It seems clear though that these two countries are still a way behind the main locations in Europe and the US when it comes to selecting the right venue for a ski break. There is no doubt that the world’s best known venues do have a lot more snow than these two countries do.
But they do provide something different to get your teeth – and your skis – into. Maybe it is time for a change?