New Zealand’s Mt. Lyford Ski Area is set to open for the 2026 season on Thursday, July 2, after a productive early winter storm delivered 35 centimeters (14 inches) of wind-affected snow across the mountain.
The snowfall is a welcome start to the season for the small Canterbury ski area, after a slow start to winter in New Zealand for most of June. The ski area has been working through significant wind redistribution and drifting across its terrain. While the storm has left uneven coverage, resort staff say freezing overnight temperatures will help stabilise the snowpack ahead of grooming and snow farming operations.
“We have received a total of 35cm which is a great start to the season,” Mt Lyford said in a recent update. “The ski area has got huge drifts but also has been very wind affected. Once the snow freezes up tonight we will have to get pushing to open runs.”
The resort confirmed that terrain assessment and snow grooming will continue in the lead-up to opening day as crews work to prepare skiable runs. Staff have already begun planning to push snow around to maximize coverage on the slopes and improve longevity for early season skiing. “35cm at Lake Stella. Should be some good snow at the Terako Basin. We are about to head out,” the resort said. “We will be farming and pushing snow this weekend to make sure we can pack it in for longevity and opening on Thursday the 2nd of July.”
According to the ski area’s website, lifts will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily once the resort opens, with staff arriving earlier in the week for orientation and final preparations. “We will be pushing snow to get open what we can for opening,” Mt Lyford said. “Will have to assess what terrain is going to be open after we do this. The ski staff are arriving on Monday and will be doing orientation for Thursday’s opening. See you soon!”
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Mt. Lyford is one of New Zealand’s smaller club fields, known for its steep natural terrain, backcountry-style skiing, and community-driven operations. The main ski area is serviced by one T-bar, two platters, one 180-meter (591-foot) fixed grip, and two advanced rope tows. There is also another smaller area, the Stella Basin, at Lake Stella with a separate rope tow.
