There are sighs of relief all over the central North Island, with Mt Ruapehu's winter ski season officially beginning on Saturday.
Not only has the Government handed out the money that allowed the ski season at all but now the snow's done the considerate thing by turning up on time.
Snow enthusiasts were only able to enjoy sledding on Saturday with hopes skiing will be on the cards next week.
It comes the Government handed the liquidators of Ruapheu Alpline Lifts a loan of $5 million to ensure the slopes could open this year.
It's been a really tough run-up, but finally, snow enthusiasts are on their way at Mt Ruapehu.
"This is brilliant man, I'm enjoying it," one snow enthusiast told Newshub.
"We've come from Queensland where it's sunny and 25C so we can come to the snow for the first time," another person told Newshub.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts CEO Jono Dean told Newshub he's thrilled to be able to get the ski season underway.
"We are thrilled. This is some great early-season snow for us. This is a phenomenal start to the season," Dean told Newshub.
The season was saved by the Government, which stepped in with a loan of up to $5 million for the liquidators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
It comes after a vote on who would take over the ski fields, which ended in a stalemate last month.
"Our people have been through the most extraordinary period," Dean said.
"It's been something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy in terms of the uncertainty and anxiety that's built up around that."
It was only sledding on the menu on Saturday, with the snow falling just in time for the opening ski season weekend.
"We are hoping next week to get into a bit of a clean-up after this big storm cycle and hopefully put some planks on our feet and go for a ski," Dean said.
The Mt Ruapehu team plans to progressively open lifts and terrain on both sides of the mountain as snow conditions and weather allows.
The revived ski season is also bringing huge relief to neighbouring towns and businesses.
"[It's] exciting times, it gives everyone a bit of job security, it makes everyone look forward to the season," Ben Wiggins from TCB Ski, Board and Bike in Ohakune told Newshub.
"Everyone is looking forward to the fresh snow, so really good vibes about the town, all the bookings are coming in, accommodation providers are excited and shops are excited for the region, it's fantastic."
There are high hopes for the season ahead following a severe lack of snowfall last year.
"It's looking like we have some fresh powder coming in over the next two days," Wiggins said.
There is also fresh powder already accumulating at the Chateau, allowing for some serious snow construction, which provided a picture-perfect backdrop for a snowman.
The snow has come just in time for the school holiday break.
