As covered on Natives earlier this week, the Cardrona Superpipe is now open.

It's been a great week for both snow and weather in New Zealand. Top to bottom dry packed powder on trail, a mix of powdery conditions off-piste with the odd unmarked hazard. Probably picked up another 10cm over the last week, mainly in small dustings which is keeping everything dry and silky.

Big news this week was the opening of the Johnny Superpipe on Tuesday. The first Superpipe ever in Australasia, it was greeted with rave reviews by riders including current NZ halfpipe champions Dylan Butt and Juliane Bray. It's first big run will be with the Burton Jam this weekend and it will of course be the competition pipe for the Junior World Snowboard Championships in September. This pipe is HUGE!

There is also the International open for those looking for a less intimidating ride. The entire terrain trail is in build mode with more rails and jumps daily. Today (Friday) holds the second Coca Cola Mini Games and with good weather a good crew is expected to attack the Volkl Skiercross, Speed skiing and Quarter pipe. Also Saturday morning check out the ETA Snowdeck jam - a chance to try out skateboard on snow along with some of NZ's best riders in a purpose built park fro 9-11am.

100% of terrain is open and skiing and riding well. With such good snow to start things off it is realistic to expect the end of the season to have a few legs, so consider September and the later holidays as a great snow option for a holiday. Its warmer (good for young children) and daylight far longer allowing you to enjoy more of the Southern Lakes area while on holiday.

Keep up to date with the web cam.

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