Mt Hutt overnighters all safely off the mountain

Over 1100 people have made it off Mt Hutt this morning after bad weather forced them to spend the night in the ski area base building last night (Thursday 12th August).

Mt Hutt management made the call to close the access road to the ski area around midday yesterday when bad weather whipped up gale force winds gusting to 206km/hr.

When wind speed lowered to a safe level this morning, Mt Hutt staff started the task of coordinating the safe passage for travelers back down the mountain. All skiers had reached the bottom of the road by midday today.

NZSki CEO James Coddington said that throughout the storm, the safety of those people was the company’s top priority.

“We are pleased to advise that all mountain visitors and staff who spent the night in Mt Hutt base facilities are now safely off the mountain

“While we understand it was inconvenient for people, the team at Mt Hutt made their decisions in the interest of safety and swung into action to ensure everyone was warm, safe and fed for the night,” said Mr Coddington. “We have now sent all staff and management involved home for some much needed rest.”

Mt Hutt Ski area will remain closed today and re open tomorrow (subject to weather conditions).