Before sunrise, the headlights of snow groomers are already moving up and down the slopes above Greywater. A cold spell and two early snowfalls have allowed the mountain’s ski resorts to start preparing runs weeks ahead of schedule, and operators say the first lifts could open by the middle of next month, the earliest start in a decade.
At the largest resort in the area, around 40 centimeters of natural snow fell over the past ten days. Night-time temperatures well below freezing have also let staff switch on the snow cannons and build a base layer on the main runs.
Racing against the forecast
Resort managers know that early snow does not guarantee an early season. A few warm days could still undo much of the work. For now, though, the national weather service expects cold air to hold over the Northern Region for at least another week.
Every night below minus five is a night we can make snow. If the weather holds, we will open the first two runs and the beginners’ area before most people have put away their summer clothes.
Nils Aarden, operations manager at one of Greywater’s resorts
Groomer drivers work in shifts from late evening until dawn, compacting and shaping the snow so it can survive the daytime sun. “The best time is just before sunrise, when the snow is firm and everything is quiet,” said driver Paulo Lenz.
Good news for clubs and young racers
The early start is welcome news for ski clubs and junior racers, who usually have to travel abroad for their first training on snow. The national ski federation said it would move its first junior camp from a foreign glacier to Greywater, saving families money and travel time.
Hotels and guesthouses in the valley report strong early bookings, especially for long weekends. Season pass prices are unchanged from last year, and resorts have added a cheaper weekday pass aimed at students.
Environmental groups urge caution. The Green Alliance’s regional branch noted that snowmaking uses large amounts of water and energy and called for more transparency about consumption. The resorts say they now rely on reservoirs filled by spring meltwater and have replaced older cannons with more efficient models.
The official opening date will be confirmed once the snow base reaches at least 50 centimeters on the main runs.
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