New Zealand is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders, offering a staggering variety of experiences against a backdrop of dramatic alpine scenery.
In addition to a range of fields for downhill skiing and snowboarding, there’s also a cross-country ski area, terrain parks for snowboards and the unforgettable opportunity to try heli-skiing. Slopes are generally less crowded than those on the continents and lift queues are shorter – best of all, visitors can indulge their love of snow sports in America and Europe’s off-season! An alpine climate of crisp sunny days and frosty nights, added to reliable snowfall, means plenty of powder.
Anyone can ski New Zealand. Beginners will find plenty of places to hone their skills, and expert tuition is offered at many ski areas. Larger fields offer dedicated areas for learners. Those with more experience will love the challenges available, and for extreme skiers and snowboarders, New Zealand is the ultimate destination. Heli-skiing is another unique thrill-seeker activity.
Renting or purchasing good quality equipment is easy in cities and ski resorts – most ski areas also rent gear on site. In some major ski resort towns the party lasts all winter! If your clients need a break from the slopes, they’ll find plenty of other activities, from a soak in a hot pool, to a relaxing massage or a thrilling jet boat ride. On and off the slopes, New Zealand is the perfect place to spend winter.
New Zealand Ski Areas
The majority of New Zealand’s ski areas are located in the Southern Alps of the South Island, including fields for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and terrain parks, however there are also ski areas in the Central North Island and Taranaki.
North Island
Whakapapa Ski Area – largest ski area
Turoa Ski Area – varied terrain
Manganui Ski Area – great snowboarding
South Island
Rainbow Ski Area – varied terrain
Hanmer Springs Ski Area – on- and off-piste
Mt Lyford Alpine Resort – terrain for all levels Porters – impressive vertical drop
Mt Hutt – longest season in Australasia
Mt Dobson Ski Area – includes a terrain park
Roundhill Ski Area – gentle and safe slopes
Ohau Snow Fields – great snow for all levels
Coronet Peak – terrain for all abilities
The Remarkables – great extreme terrain
Snow Farm Ski Area – cross-country ski area
Snow Park NZ – dedicated terrain park
Cardrona Alpine Resort – for all levels
Treble Cone Ski Area – extreme terrain
Ski Season
New Zealand’s ski and snowboard season generally runs from June to October. A Southern Hemisphere setting means that New Zealand’s seasons occur in reverse of Northern Hemisphere seasons. Spring skiing with warmer air temperatures makes for a fantastic day on the slopes.
Weather Information
See www.metservice.co.nz for the latest New Zealand weather information. Specific MetService Mountain Forecasts are available on this site.
Brown Bear Ski & Snowboard NZ
If you’d like to find out more about skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand, consult Brown Bear Ski & Snowboard New Zealand – New Zealand’s most widely read ski publication with essential information on all of New Zealand’s ski areas. You can also find information online at www.brownbear.co.nz/ski.