Skiers encouraged to carry chains

People travelling in the Queenstown Lakes District area this weekend are being encouraged to carry chains after the MetService issued a heavy snow warning today,” Queenstown Lakes District Council emergency management officer Brenden Winder said.

Early morning rain with snow lowering to 200 metres was forecast for the Southern Lakes region from tomorrow morning.

“With the scheduled opening of the Coronet Peak ski area tomorrow morning and people heading into the area it is timely to remind motorists that in this alpine area, chains should be carried and that winter driving applied,” Mr Winder said.

It was also recommended that vehicles travelling to the ski area, including four wheel drive vehicles, carry chains.

“Our roading contracter, Downer EDI Works will monitor the situation from 5.30am tomorrow morning," Mr Winder said.

Downer had grit trucks and snowploughs on standby for the weekend, should they be required.

The weather was forecast to ease on Sunday.