Ski field maintenance teams are on the mountains this week for the first time as operators get ready to open in June.
But the billion dollar industry, which employs about 3,000 people, still does not know how many skiers will be allowed on the mountains at one time and how many will turn up.
Operators want special dispensation from the government to allow more than the 500 people permitted at level 2 or it may not be viable for them to open.
Sharon Brettkelly reports.
