Ski Resort Gives Brutally Honest Opening Day Conditions Report

Craigieburn Valley in New Zealand, a ski area located in the Southern Alps just a 90 minute drive from Christchurch, recently issued a conditions report, and officials of the ski club did not hold back.

To guests delight, officials presented an accurate and entertaining descriptions of conditions at the resort after a recent storm. The caption on their Instagram post reads, "the storm delivered up to 25 cms to our upper mountain. This fell on a firm base of mostly tussock, rock & scree. Where there was an existing snowpack, it fell on this too."

The experience this weekend will be a little more involved than normal due to the low snow levels, but officials at Craigieburn navigated this by explaining the extra steps will make for extra fun.

Guest's journey to the ski terrain "will involve a enchanting walk through our snow covered forrest, riding the tow from the bottom of access to the top of top tow and a 'sporty' expedition of your choosing through our limited terrain finding pockets and sections of goodness back to Top or Middle tow loads."

Officials at Craigieburn also advised guests that this may not be the best weekend for dusting the rust off or learning to ski for the first time. Officials included a warning in the caption reading, "This is not the time to be learning rope tows unless you are an advanced skier, or testing out your new skis/board. In fact- don't bring your skis, steal your mates!"

"In all seriousness - experienced rope tow users ONLY!!! It is 'early season conditions' with multiple unmarked hazards. Please ski and ride well within your ability, and obey all closures."

In our opinion, this is a great way to navigate difficult realities with early-season conditions. Set expectations low, but open for those who are up for the challenge. For skiers willing to put in a little extra work, they will have a great time.

Craigieburn Valley Ski Club Stats:

Vertical: 1,640 ft. (500m)

Skiable Terrain: 988 ac. (400 ha.)

Average Snowfall: N/A

Lifts: 3

Trails: 25

Snowmaking: NO

Mega-Pass: NO

Related: Propagation Labs Is Working to Revolutionize Snow Science Observations

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