Ski field workers in the South Island have been left scrambling to get their winter gear on and clear the roads after this weekend's wild weather left a record dumping of snow.

Cardrona Ski Field, located in the Central Lakes District between Queenstown and Wanaka, usually becomes a hive for adrenaline junkies during the summer, offering activities like mountain biking and carting.

But the mountain was closed Sunday morning, the 'weather bomb' bringing with it the most snow they've ever seen fall in January.