Snow rescues ski season

Snowfall on Mt Hutt today has come as a ski season saviour for Methven's tourism industry.

The southerly blast which has blanketed Mid Canterbury in white today will be a boost for Mt Hutt and Methven businesses.

After a dismal season -- snowbase on the ski area has barely risen over 40cm all year -- the late season snowfall has saved the ski area from closing early.

Mt Hutt ski area manager Dave Wilson said about 25cm of snow fell on the skifield in seven hours since 3am.

"It certainly gives us much more confidence that we will get through the school holidays.

"Without more snow the season wasn't going to hold out for much longer," he said.

- nzpa