Bright outlook for winter

Snow business is big business, according to figures released by the executive director of the New Zealand Ski Council, Miles Davidson.

Based on a survey last year, when visits to ski and snowboard areas climbed above 1 million, the average sum spent daily at snow resorts was $111.54 a person.

Research at the Mt Hutt field reveals that for every dollar spent by a visitor, 32c of income is generated for the local economy.

And for every $10,000 spent by visitors, 0.41 jobs (seasonal and fulltime) are created.

The snow industry gives winter tourism a huge boost, drawing thousands of international visitors from Australia, Japan and North America, says Davidson.

Last season our snow attracted 25,000 Australians, 10,000 Japanese and 4000 North Americans. The 1999 figures also reveal that snowboarders account for 30 per cent of people on the slopes.

With more than one million visits to snow areas in the last season confidence has been restored in the industry and $4.5 million has been invested by snow areas in new developments and facilities for the 2000 season.

"The future is bright for the snow sports industry and the objective of attracting more than 1,200,000 visits within the next two years is a realistic target," says Davidson.

The signs are heartening for this season.

A report from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd, commissioned by the Snow Areas Association NZ, indicates that the La Nina weather pattern will weaken this winter.

Since June 1998 New Zealand has been under the influence of a moderate to strong La Nina, which is bad for snow lovers because it usually brings mild northerly airflows. The other major weather pattern that affects New Zealand is El Nino, which tends to bring cold south-westerly airflows - and snow.

The prediction for this winter is neutral, with neither La Nina nor El Nino influencing the weather. Temperatures and rainfall are expected to be near average this month and snow is predicted for the major snow areas.

The longer-term outlook for late winter and spring is for near average temperatures and precipitation.