Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand (Monday, May 3, 2004) - Snow fell on New Zealand and Australian ski and snowboard resorts over the past several days, further foretelling the approaching winter sports season in Australasia.

Sam Williams of Mt. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, Ltd., operators of the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields on New Zealand's South Island, reported "a glorious white site this morning at Whakapapa. We received 10 centimeters at the Top of the Bruce by 12:00 p.m. when it stopped snowing."

Meanwhile, Australia's Mt. Hotham reported "almost mid-winter conditions hit the mountain on the weekend, with approximately 15-20 centimeters falling between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Temperatures got down to as low as -5șC as the early big chill descended."

In just over a week, a total of about 40 centimeters of snow have fallen at Hotham. For the second weekend in a row, snow plows were called out to clear the road between Harrietville and Hotham.

Both resorts plan to commence ski and snowboard operations for the season in June.