Don’t Look Down

The seven kilometre route to Treble Cone can be unnerving for American travellers accustomed to ample four-lane roads leading to their favourite resort. The gravel road winding up from Wanaka to the ski-field has changed little since its inception. “Unsealed” roads? Yep, still working on the concept of “guard rail”, but a new daily shuttle service is a welcome step for those searching out the best skiing that can be found during the summer. Meanwhile, further north at Mt Hutt, one of New Zealand’s premiere spots is primed for June’s season opening with more than six feet of new snow falling on the mountain in early May. “I’ve been working at Mt Hutt for eight years and I’ve never witnessed falls like this so early in the season,” said Mt Hutt ski area manager Dave Wilson.