Missing snow puts famed New Zealand ski areas on precipice

The learners' slope is almost devoid of snow at the Turoa ski field on Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand. A disastrous snow season has left two of New Zealand's largest ski fields on the brink of bankruptcy, with climate change appearing to play a significant role. Photos: AP

New Zealand’s Turoa ski area is usually a white wonderland at this time of year, its deep snowpack supporting its famed spring skiing. This season, it’s largely a barren moonscape, with tiny patches of snow poking out between vast fields of jagged volcanic boulders.

The ski area was forced to close for the season this week, three weeks earlier than planned.