Wanaka, New Zealand – New Zealand’s ski and snowboard season is rapidly approaching, and a potent early winter storm has started to build bases on both North and South Island slopes.

“A decent snow storm in May is not unexpected and certainly what we hope for at this time of year,” said Nadia Ellis, Cardrona Sales & Marketing Manager at Cardrona Alpine Resort near Wanaka. “Early snow helps cool the ground temperature which will help a good winter base to form as winter approaches.”

Cardrona’s operations team reported an even 10cm (four inches) of snow over the mountain with air temperatures staying below freezing. Even more snowfall was reported at Treble Cone, where officials measured 20cm (eight inches) at the Saddle and a dusting down the mountain’s front side. The most was reported at The Remarkables near Queenstown, with 23 cm (nine inches). The situation is markedly different than last year, when May had the dubious distinction of the warmest on record.

Snowfall began on Mt. Ruapehu on the North Island two days ago, and accumulation is expected to continue through Friday. Temperatures are expected to remain cold through the middle of next week, when warmer air is forecast to return to the region.

Season opening is scheduled at The Remarkables for June 16, while Cardrona’s is set for June 22. Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas on Mt. Ruapehu are scheduled to open on June 16 and June 23, respectively. Treble Cone is set to follow on June 28.

It’s also been snowing across the Tasman Sea in Australia, where Perisher reported five cm (two inches) over snow over the weekend. Snowmaking efforts are already underway at Perisher in advance of their season opener scheduled for June 8.